16-Year-Old Burns Nearly 80% Of Body After Doing Terrifying TikTok

Mason Dark and his friends were trying to make a homemade torch by using a spray paint can and a lighter. Unfortunately, this caused an explosion that quickly surrounded the teens in flames.

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“He’s unrecognizable. Unrecognizable,” his mother, Holli Dark, told WRAL.

The teens, who live in Wake Forest, a town near Raleigh, were taking part in a risky TikTok challenge. This challenge involves using flammable sprays to make mini flamethrowers, which has been popularized on social media.

Instead of blowing out the flame, the can suddenly burst into an explosion.

“They all heard a big boom. And then Mason came running out and started taking off his shirt,” Dark said.

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Trying to soothe the burns, Mason decided to jump into a nearby river. Unfortunately, when he came out of the water, his skin was badly burnt and blackened.

Both actions made things worse for him. When he tore off the flaming clothes, he ended up with a serious burn in the shape of a "T" on his back. Moreover, the water from the river poses a high risk of infection.

As a result of the incident, Mason's mother revealed that he was immediately taken to the UNC Burn Center. His injuries are extensive, with burns covering around 76% of his body.

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“The way he looked when those kids saw him when he first came in, to what he looks like now, it’s 100 times different,” said Dark.

Mason has already undergone multiple surgeries to receive skin grafts, a procedure where healthy skin is transplanted onto the burned areas. His mother, Dark, described the process as similar to planting grass seeds and patiently witnessing her son's skin gradually heal.

Due to the severity of his burns, the teenage athlete, who actively participates in football and track, is projected to remain at the burn center for approximately six months. This extended period of time is necessary for his recovery and to ensure he receives the proper care and treatment.

The family has launched a GoFundMe page which has raised more than $15,000 for Mason so far.

Holli wrote on the GoFundMe page. “Mason has a long road ahead of him. Please pray for his recovery. He is in an incredible amount of pain and is sedated.”