Students at West Florence High School in South Carolina thought they were dealing with a plumbing nightmare when a vile odor swept through classrooms. The stench was so overpowering that it left kids sick, parents outraged, and staff searching desperately for answers. For weeks, the mystery deepened as headaches, nausea, and even asthma flare-ups plagued the school community.
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But the truth behind the disgusting disruption turned out to be far more shocking than anyone expected. Between August 25 and September 19, students and staff at West Florence endured what many described as unbearable conditions. The foul odor was strong enough to cause dizziness, breathing issues, and repeated medical visits. And seemed to come from nowhere, according to CNN.
Inspectors tested the gas lines, checked the air quality, and even examined the school’s propane systems. Nothing explained why classrooms smelled like raw sewage. Parents demanded answers, and rumors ran wild about a dangerous leak.
The Mystery “Poop Smell”
Then came the shocking twist: the smell wasn’t from faulty equipment at all. Authorities eventually traced the odor back to an unlikely source. The culprit, a 32-year-old teaching assistant, Alexander Lewis. Investigators allege he had been spraying a so-called “fart spray,” a prank product sold online that mimics the stench of feces.
Even worse, it had reportedly been introduced into the school’s air conditioning system, amplifying the impact and spreading chaos across campus.
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On September 19, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office arrested Lewis. He was charged with disturbing schools and malicious injury to property, with damages estimated at more than $55,000 from HVAC repairs and the investigation itself.
Fallout From a Disgusting Prank
What might have started as a juvenile joke quickly spiraled into a nightmare. Students missed class, staff members fell ill, and one parent reported that the smell triggered their child’s asthma, requiring three medical visits. The disruption wasn’t just gross. It was dangerous.
“Sick bastard, how are these people allowed around children?? one X user comments.
“Not a prank, just evil and with intent to harm, ” adds another.
Authorities released Lewis on a $9,000 bond, with court dates set for October 15 and November 19. If convicted, the consequences could be severe. Now, South Carolina parents and educators are questioning how a prank product could cause such widespread harm in a school setting. Experts warn that the misuse of seemingly harmless items purchased online can have devastating consequences when taken too far.
For West Florence High, the stink may eventually fade. However, the scandal won’t be forgotten anytime soon. A prank meant for laughs left an entire school community reeling, and a teacher aide facing a future defined not by education but by infamy.
Nina Franklin 
Kendra Quinn 
