10 Photos of Claire Tracy: Rice University Sophomore Found Dead After Doing 'Devil Trend' From TikTok

The sudden death of a 19 year old Rice University student has sent shock waves through campus and far beyond, as authorities confirmed her passing was linked to a dangerous online trend circulating on TikTok. Claire Tracy, a sophomore finance major and former member of the Rice women's soccer team, was found dead in an off campus apartment just days after posting a cryptic video referencing the so called 'devil trend'.

Who Was Claire Tracy?

Claire Tracy joined Rice University in autumn 2024 after growing up in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. According to the university, she quickly became an active and well liked member of the campus community. She was part of Wiess College and had already made her mark both academically and socially.

Before university, Tracy had been a standout footballer, helping lead her high school team to multiple championships. At Rice, she briefly played for the women's soccer team and was described by coaches and teammates as kind, driven and quietly confident. She was studying finance and was seen by friends as someone with ambition and a sharp intellect.

In a message shared with students, Rice Dean of Undergraduates Bridget K. Gorman described Tracy as having a bright spirit and close friendships, adding that counselling services were being made available to students affected by her death.

Found Dead Near Campus As Questions Emerged

Tracy was found dead on Sunday, December 7, at an apartment complex located just two blocks from the Rice University campus in Houston. The university confirmed her death the following day, but at the time did not release details about the cause.

The lack of immediate answers fuelled speculation online, particularly after users began circulating her recent TikTok posts. Many classmates expressed disbelief that someone so young and seemingly successful could be lost so suddenly. Campus officials urged restraint and respect for the family as investigations continued.

Houston police and the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences later took over the case to determine the cause and manner of death.

The TikTok 'Devil Trend'

On December 11, forensic records confirmed that Tracy died from asphyxia due to oxygen displacement by helium. The manner of death was ruled a suicide.

Investigators noted that a day before her death, Tracy posted a TikTok video captioned 'my version of the devil trend'. The trend involves users prompting artificial intelligence tools to generate brutally honest messages about their inner struggles. In Tracy's case, she shared screenshots of a conversation with ChatGPT.

Her message asked the AI to respond to the phrase 'the devil couldn't reach me' by explaining how he did. The response spoke of overthinking, emotional weight and turning intelligence inward in a destructive way. Tracy added the caption, 'In chat we trust, he ain't wrong.'

The following day, she posted a final video looking directly into the camera with text reading, 'Accepting that the big lock in just isn't going to happen this time.' Friends and followers have since described the post as deeply troubling in hindsight.

Mourning On Campus And Growing Concern Online

Rice University's women's soccer head coach Brian Lee paid tribute to Tracy in an Instagram post, saying the entire Rice soccer community was mourning her loss. He said her kindness had touched many lives and that she would be forever remembered by teammates and friends.

The tragedy has also sparked wider concern about the impact of viral online trends and the role of social media in amplifying vulnerable thoughts. Mental health advocates have warned that content encouraging intense self reflection or despair can be dangerous, particularly for young people under academic and social pressure.

Rice University has continued to encourage students to seek support and to look out for one another during the difficult days following Tracy's death. As her family, friends and classmates mourn a life cut short, the case stands as a stark reminder that behind viral trends and screens are real people, carrying real pain, often unseen until it is too late.