Renna, who was just 19 years old, was declared brain dead on June 1 following several days in the ICU, where she had been fighting for her life.
Her cause of death was sudden sniffing death syndrome. It happened after she took part in a TikTok trend known as ‘dusting’, which involves inhaling aerosol sprays like those used to clean computer keyboards. The trend is also referred to as chroming or huffing.
They’re hoping that by sharing their story, they can help save other young people from the same fate.
In an emotional interview with AZ Family, Dana described her daughter as: “She was vivacious and caring and loyal.”
Her dad shared a bittersweet memory, saying: “She always said, ‘I’m gonna be famous, Dad. Just you watch. I’m gonna be famous’ and unfortunately this is not under the most optimal of circumstances.”
She went on to describe the painful final moments, saying: “She spent the next seven days in the ICU. She never regained consciousness.”
She then added through tears: “We don’t have children to bury them.”
He explained the science behind the risk: “When they inhale these chemicals in the gas it will actually replace the oxygen within their lungs and within the rest of their body.”
Just one inhale can lead to severe, sometimes irreversible damage. The risks include organ failures such as liver damage, heart problems, and even long-term lung disease.
The page, created by Aaron, includes a touching tribute describing his daughter as someone who was “the light in every room she walked into”.
He also shared the depth of their sorrow: “The pain that her family and friends feel is simply immeasurable.”
