A sleepover prank took a terrifying turn when the trusted friends of a 12-year-old Georgia boy dumped scalding water on him, ripping the skin from his face and leaving him with severe burns.
Georgia’s Trey West spent New Year’s Day in hospital, recovering from the severe burns left on most of his face after three of his friends allegedly found amusement in pouring boiling water over his face while he slept.
According to WALB 10, 12-year-old Trey was spending the night at a neighbor’s apartment in Tifton, enjoying a sleepover with three other boys, ages 12 to 15.
While Trey was asleep and the others were playing video games, one of the boys allegedly poured hot water on him, his mother, Tiffany West, revealed.
“I mean, I really can’t describe it now. In that moment I was just mad, hurt, in shock,” West said of the incident, which left Trey with second-degree burns—primarily on his face—and in urgent need of medical attention.
“I was seeing red. I was just trying to hurry up and get him some help,” she added.
According to Medical News Today, second-degree burns are not only intensely painful, but they also require a long healing process. The outlet notes that such burns often result in scarring, which can take years to fade.
‘Numb’
Trey was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent surgery to treat the burns caused by the incident.
“He was transported to the burn center in Augusta and had to have surgery,” his mother, Tiffany West, explained. “He’s out of surgery now and recovering at home, but it’s going to take 12 to 14 days for the physical wounds to begin healing.” She added that the road ahead will be filled with both physical and emotional challenges.
“You have to be in shock to realize your friends are capable of something like this,” said Trey’s aunt, Nachelle Austile. “Someone he trusted—it’s just horrible. He never imagined something like this could happen to him.”
“I always ask him if he’s mad, or sad… but he just doesn’t show any emotion,” Austile added. West echoed her words, saying, “He’s numb about it.”
The three boys accused of carrying out the prank were arrested but have since been released to their families. Court hearings are scheduled for next month.
Challenging Moments, Community Support
In the midst of this painful ordeal, the local community has stepped up with overwhelming support, offering donations and kind words to lift the family’s spirits.
West took to Facebook to express her deep gratitude:
“I woke up to SO much LOVE being shown to my son!” she wrote. “It brings tears to my eyes to know so many people care for me and my son—and that we are not alone in this.”
The post continued with a powerful message of gratitude and faith:
“I drop to my knees every day thanking God that my baby is still here and he is going to be OK—because it could have been so much worse,” West wrote in her January 3, 2025 update.
Calling her son a “warrior,” West praised the outpouring of love and generosity they’ve received from the community. “Every donation, gift, encouraging word, and prayer has put a smile on my son’s face!” she added.
Just days later, West shared another hopeful update, revealing that Trey was recovering well at home.
“My son is recovering beautifully since surgery! He may be able to go back to school next week after his second follow-up appointment Tuesday!” she wrote. “Occasionally, he does have some challenging moments, but overall, he’s in good spirits.”
She went on to describe his progress: “When we first got home from the hospital, he had to stay elevated and sleep in a recliner, but now he’s able to sleep normally in his own bed. I don’t only cry because of sadness and anger but also because of the joy that my baby boy is going to be just fine!”
Perhaps the most touching moment came in a video West posted on January 11, showing Trey dancing and smiling with his little sister. boy
“Video of my son & his baby sister. He’s healing beautifully! Nobody but God,” she captioned it.
This emotional journey stands as a powerful reminder of the serious consequences of reckless pranks—and the healing strength of community, compassion, and resilience. boy
