Tributes to girl, 14, who died after TikTok challenge

The Clare school girl died after inhaling an aerosol while taking part in a 'chroming' social media challenge

It is believed Sarah Mescall, 14, may have either seen others doing a challenge or been challenged to do it herself on the social media platform TikTok.

The school girl who died after inhaling an aerosol while taking part in a so-called “chroming” social media challenge will be laid to rest on Friday.

It is believed Sarah Mescall, 14, may have either seen others doing a challenge or been challenged to do it herself on the social media platform TikTok.

Sarah, a second-year pupil at Coláiste Muire in Ennis, Co Clare, fell ill on Friday and was transferred to Crumlin Children's Hospital in Dublin where she died on Monday.

Chroming, also known as "huffing", involves inhaling aerosol chemicals for a temporary high.

It has led to a number of deaths around the world, including in March when a 13-year-old Australian died after inhaling a toxic substance at a friend’s house.

A TikTok spokesperson said: “Our deepest sympathies are with the family experiencing this tragic loss. Content of this nature is prohibited on our platform and would be removed if found.

“We will continue to prioritise protecting and supporting our community, working with expert partners and providing safety resources to those who need them.”

A Garda spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána have notified the Coroner of the death of a girl, 14, which occurred at Crumlin Children’s Hospital.

“An Garda Síochána's focus is the preparation of an investigation file for the Coroner.”

Kilkishen Camogie Club described Sarah as “a beautiful girl gone too soon who will be missed by all who knew her”.

There are no words to describe the shock and sadness of the community.

"Our hearts go out to Sarah's parents, Joe and Deirdre, brother Jack and sister Emily, her grandad PJ, our club president, and his wife Mary, Sarah's uncle Oliver, our club chairperson, and the extended Mescall and Power families," it said.

Her funeral Mass will be held on Friday in Kilnamona Church at 11am.

Niamh Smyth, chairwoman of the Oireachtas committee on media, raised the girl's death with the online safety commissioner Niamh Hodnett when the committee met on Wednesday afternoon.

Ms Hodnett said that "this is the very essence of why we need an online safety code".