Microwave Toy Trend Nearly Cost Eli His Life | Wilmington News

Wilmington News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 13, 2026 · 1m

A 13-year-old jiu-jitsu athlete, Eli Blackmon, suffered life-altering third-degree burns after microwaving a NeeDoh squishy toy — a TikTok trend he thought was harmless. When the toy burst in his hands, hot gel sprayed across his neck, chest, and arms, forcing emergency hospitalization and four months of painful wound care. His family, both emergency responders, knew the danger immediately. Medical bills piled up, he developed a staph infection from bandages, and lost fluids from the burn. Now, Eli and his mom are warning kids and parents: don’t try dangerous trends — even if they seem safe…