A sleepover prank became frightening when a 12-year-old Georgia boy’s close buddies splashed scorching water on him, shredding the flesh off his face and leaving him severely burned.
Trey West of Georgia spent New Year’s Day in the hospital, recovering from serious burns to the majority of his face caused by three of his pals apparently pouring boiling water over him while he slept.
According to WALB 10, the 12-year-old was visiting his neighbor’s Tifton apartment for a sleepover with three other boys aged 12 to 15.
When the event occurred, Trey was napping while the other pre-teens were playing video games. Then one of the kids splashed boiling water on Trey, according to his mother, Tiffany West.
“I mean, I can’t articulate it right now.” In that moment, I was just mad, hurt, and in shock,” West said of the alleged prank, which resulted in second-degree burns on the boy’s face and needed emergency medical attention.
“I was experiencing discomfort.” I was only trying to get him some aid.
According to Medical News Today, severe burns may be incredibly painful, and after a nearly month-long healing period, “second-degree burns often leave a scar, which may fade over several years.”
West brought his son to the hospital, where he underwent surgery for his injuries.
“He was taken to the burn center in Augusta.” He had to undergo surgery. Of course, he’s out of surgery and resting at home. But it will take him 12-14 days to recuperate,” West added of Trey’s next trip, which would involve both physical and mental hurdles.
“You’ve had to be shocked that your buddies are capable of doing this to you. It’s really terrible when someone you trusted does something bad.” He never expected something like this to happen to him,” said Nachelle Austile, the boy’s aunt.
“I usually inquire if he’s upset or sad… He just doesn’t have [any] emotion about it,” says Austile, while West adds, “He’s numb about it.”
The three boys who pulled the prank were detained but later released to their families as they await court appearances set for next month.
challenging situations
Meanwhile, the community has united to help the victim and his family, providing cash and support.
West expressed her thanks in a heartfelt Facebook message, thanking supporters for their donations and supportive comments. “I woke up to SO much LOVE being shown to my son!” she stated in an email. “It brings tears to my eyes to know so many people care for me and my son, and we are not alone in this.”
The post continues, “I drop to my knees every day thanking God that my baby is still here and he will be okay because it could have been [worse],” West says in the January 3, 2025 post.
West, who refers to her son as a “warrior,” praised the community’s generosity for bringing happiness into their lives: “Every donation, gift, encouraging word, and prayer has put a smile on my son’s face!”
Days later, she posted another social media update, stating that her small son was at home and doing well.
“My youngster has recovered nicely since surgery! He may be able to return to school next week following his second follow-up checkup on Tuesday! He has some difficult times occasionally, but he is generally upbeat,” she adds. “When we first came home from the hospital, he had to sleep elevated in a recliner, but now he can sleep normally in his own bed… I cry not just out of anguish and despair, but also because I am relieved that my newborn child will be well.”
Perhaps the most emotional update is a video West uploaded on January 11 of Trey laughing and dancing with his sister.
“Video of my kid and his baby sister. He is recuperating beautifully! She writes, “Nobody but God.”