A sleepover prank turned tragic when 12-year-old Trey West of Georgia was severely burned after his friends poured scalding water on his face while he slept. The incident, which occurred at a neighbor’s apartment in Tifton on New Year’s Day, left Trey with second-degree burns and required surgery.
Trey’s mother, Tiffany West, described being in shock and rushed him to the hospital, where he was later transferred to a burn center in Augusta. Doctors estimate a 12–14 day recovery, though emotional healing may take longer. “He’s numb,” said his aunt, Nachelle Austile.
The three boys involved, aged 12 to 15, were arrested and released to their families pending court hearings.
In the aftermath, the community rallied with donations and support. Tiffany West expressed gratitude on social media, calling her son a “warrior” and celebrating his recovery. A video shared days later showed Trey smiling and dancing with his sister, a sign of his resilience and healing.