10-Year-Old Girl Saves Her Brother From Choking During Viral Candy Challenge

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Leah James turns a dangerous online trend into a life-saving lesson caught on camera

What began as a playful viral challenge nearly turned into tragedy, until a 10-year-old girl’s quick thinking saved her little brother’s life. The heroic moment, caught on camera, has since spread across social media, drawing national praise for its mix of danger, instinct, and heart.

Leah James and her 7-year-old brother, Logan, were taking part in the popular “Warhead Challenge” on October 14, testing who could handle the sour candy the longest while jumping on their backyard trampoline. What started as laughter turned terrifying when Logan began to choke.

In the video, Logan can be seen clutching his throat and gasping for air. Leah immediately stops and asks if he’s okay. When he doesn’t respond, she springs into action, remembering the Heimlich maneuver her mother had once shown her. With remarkable calm, Leah wraps her arms around Logan and performs several sharp abdominal thrusts until the candy dislodges and he begins to breathe again.

The children’s mother, Heather James, works with the Lavon Police Department as a special programs administrator. She shared the footage with her colleagues, and it was soon posted by the department to highlight both Leah’s bravery and the importance of first-aid training for kids.

Lavon Police Chief Michael Jones called Leah’s quick action “truly lifesaving,” adding, “Her composure and courage turned what could have been a tragedy into a powerful example of why basic safety knowledge matters.”

The video has since gone viral, with parents and teachers praising Leah’s instinct and control under pressure. Many have also used the moment to warn about the hidden dangers of online “challenge” trends that can easily take a dangerous turn.

Heather James said she hopes the video inspires other families to teach their children basic first aid. “Leah didn’t panic,” she said. “She did exactly what she was supposed to, and that made all the difference.”

Leah’s story has now reached national outlets, where she’s being celebrated as a young hero with a powerful message: knowing what to do in an emergency can save a life.