A 12-year-old boy from Colorado is left brain dead in critical condition after attempting a new TikTok challenge.

The “Blackout Challenge” trending on the short-form video platform encourages people to choke themselves until they lose consciousness.

Joshua Haileyesus was discovered unconscious in his bathroom by his twin brother. The family believes Joshua was trying to choke himself with a shoelace to see how long he could hold his breath.

Doctors told Joshua’s family that he is brain dead and they should prepare to say their goodbyes.

Haileyesus Zeryihun, Joshua’s father, said, “I was begging them on the floor, pleading to see if they can give me some time, not to give up on him. If I just give up on him, I feel like I’m just walking away from my son. It’s just heartbreaking to see him laying on the bed.”

Zeryihun says his son is no different than other boys his age. He loves soccer and playing video games. He also has a passion for the army and hoped to one day become a pastor.

Joshua’s family said that he used social media frequently and usually experienced the positive side of it. They said it even helped him discover new interests like cooking, guitar, and acting. But now they want to warn others about the dangers of social media.

The family hopes sharing their story will inspire others to think twice before attempting dangerous social media challenges.

“This is something that kids need to be given to be taught, to be counseled. Because this is a serious thing,” Zeryihun said. “It’s not a joke at all. And you can treat it as if somebody is holding a gun. This is how dangerous this is. I want others to see what I’m going through, learn for their children.”

“He’s a fighter. I can see him fighting. I’m praying for him every day,” he added.