A 12-year-old boy in the US suffered severe burns after his friends accidentally threw hot water on his face due to a sleepover prank. New York Post Informed.
According to his mother, Tiffany West, the victim was sleeping at his neighbor’s apartment in Tifton, Georgia, while other boys aged 12–15 were playing video games.
One of the boys, believing it to be a harmless prank, poured hot water on the 12-year-old, causing severe burns, mainly on his face. Ms. West’s son was taken to the Augusta Burn Center for surgery and is now recovering at home. The incident left Ms West deeply distressed and angry at the dangerous prank that injured her child.
“I mean, I can’t really describe it anymore. At that moment I was just mad, hurt, in shock. Everything, I was seeing red. I just tried to hurry up and get her some help. Was doing,” she said.
According to reports, all three boys were arrested but later released to their families while awaiting their court hearing next month.
The victim’s aunt, Nashell Ostile, asked the boy if he was feeling “mad or sad” after returning home, but he showed no emotion.
“He’s numb,” she said. “You have to be shocked to know that your friends are capable of doing something like that. To someone you trusted—it’s horrible. She never thought something like this could happen to her.”
According to Medical News Today, second-degree burns typically take two to three weeks to heal and often leave scars.
The family has been struggling financially since the incident, with mounting medical bills and both parents being unable to work during the recovery period, which is expected to last 12 to 14 days.
“Ever since this all happened, my brother and Tiffany have been out of work,” Ms Austyle said. “Tiffany needs to stay home to take care of him during his recovery. He needs to be there for her.”
Ms. Austyle also shared that her nephew will need counseling to deal with the trauma and “be able to trust people again.”
Meanwhile, the boy’s mother, Ms West, took to Facebook to express her gratitude for the support, donations and kind words as she focused on helping her son recover.
“I woke up feeling so much love for my son!” she wrote. “Words can’t express how grateful I am for all of you! It brings tears to my eyes to know that so many people care about me and my son. We are not alone in this.”
Calling her son a “warrior” and “strong”, Ms West thanked donors for their contributions. “Every donation, gift, encouraging word and prayer has brought a smile to my son’s face!” He added.
