Woman Dies After Water-Drinking Contest

[Janice]

http://news.aol.com/topnews/articles/_a/woman-dies-after-water-drinking-contest/20070114070709990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001 (http://news.aol.com/topnews/articles/_a/woman-dies-after-water-drinking-contest/20070114070709990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001)

Woman Dies After Water-Drinking Contest

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 14) - A woman who competed in a radio station's contest to see how much water she could drink without going to the bathroom died of water intoxication, the coroner's office said Saturday.

The radio station promised the "Hold Your Wee for a Wii" contest winner a Nintendo Wii video game console.

Jennifer Strange, 28, was found dead Friday in her suburban Rancho Cordova home hours after taking part in the "Hold Your Wee for a Wii" contest in which KDND 107.9 promised a Nintendo Wii video game system for the winner.

"She said to one of our supervisors that she was on her way home and her head was hurting her real bad," said Laura Rios, one of Strange's co-workers at Radiological Associates of Sacramento. "She was crying and that was the last that anyone had heard from her."

It was not immediately know how much water Strange consumed.

A preliminary investigation found evidence "consistent with a water intoxication death," said assistant Coroner Ed Smith.

John Geary, vice president and marketing manager for Entercom Sacramento, the station's owner, said station personnel were stunned when they heard of Strange's death.

"We are awaiting information that will help explain how this tragic event occurred," he said.

Initially, contestants were handed eight-ounce bottles of water to drink every 15 minutes.
"They were small little half-pint bottles, so we thought it was going to be easy," said fellow contestant James Ybarra of Woodland. "They told us if you don't feel like you can do this, don't put your health at risk."

Ybarra said he quit after drinking five bottles. "My bladder couldn't handle it anymore," he added.

After he quit, he said, the remaining contestants, including Strange, were given even bigger bottles to drink.

"I was talking to her and she was a nice lady," Ybarra said. "She was telling me about her family and her three kids and how she was doing it for kids."

[Brian Damage]

What a sad story and a STUPID contest. I never heard of water intoxication before.

[Janice]

What a sad story and a STUPID contest. I never heard of water intoxication before.
When my sisters and I were young, we used to go on all these crazy diets. We probably weighed all of 115 pounds, lol. We would drink endless water. My mother used to tell us to stop and that a person can "drown themselves." We used to think she was crazy. Maybe that's what she meant.

[Brian Damage]

When my sisters and I were young, we used to go on all these crazy diets. We probably weighed all of 115 pounds, lol. We would drink endless water. My mother used to tell us to stop and that a person can "drown themselves." We used to think she was crazy. Maybe that's what she meant.


I guess if you don't urinate and let it out, that makes sense. I can't believe nobody consulted a physician before starting this stupid contest.

[ABlairican Pie]

That is the most messed up contest in the world. I've heard of water intoxication. That's why people should only drink so much before they get as sick as that. Their bodies can't handle it. I imagine lawsuits and charges are pending.

What's next: "See How Many Raw Eggs You Can Eat" contest? ohno: puke:

[swedeace]

Too much of anything is never a good thing.

What a sad story....

I remember there was a similar water-drinking contest a couple of years ago that my sister I were just watching (we didn't participate), and it's just amazing the things people do just to win a contest. Wow. Luckily, nothing fatal happened in that situation.

[Janice]

I think any of those contests that involve overindulging are bad news. Everytime I hear of those hot dog eating contests, I'm amazed that someone hasn't choked to death...then again, someone probably has choked.

This water drinking contest was particulary dangerous because not only were contestants required to drink an unhealthy amount of water...they also couldn't go to the bathroom. I'm wondering if water intoxication has something to do with the bladder. I always figured it had to do with the lungs.

[julian bozo]

:( They sholdn't have contest like that. I heard of a man choking to death at a hot dog contest where you could eat the most hotdogs.

[PrettyinPink55]

WOW!!! That's horrible!!!!! :( I agree...there shouldn't be contests like that!

[Lex Luthor]

I think any of those contests that involve overindulging are bad news. Everytime I hear of those hot dog eating contests, I'm amazed that someone hasn't choked to death...then again, someone probably has choked.

This water drinking contest was particulary dangerous because not only were contestants required to drink an unhealthy amount of water...they also couldn't go to the bathroom. I'm wondering if water intoxication has something to do with the bladder. I always figured it had to do with the lungs.

Here is an article on water intoxication or hyperhyrdation

http://www.answers.com/topic/water-intoxication

In laymans terms

The body can not keep up with producing electrolytes and blood cells wiht such a rapid increase of water intake. In order to compensate your blood cells expand. It is more common in athletes who do not rehyradte properly during excercise, this is why Gatorade and Powerade is used becasue they also give the body sodium and electrolytes to help the body recover quicker.


This is a very sad story and not very well thought out by the radio station. A terrible tragedy that should have been avoided.

[moeee]

Thats terrible news to hear that. what a dumb radio contest. Just dumb.

[TJL]

Okay, enough with the dumb radio contests.

[Superstar]

thats really sad :(

[theshark8777]

She was just trying to do something to make her kids happy. How horrible.
Seriously though, how many people here would ever think an overdose of water would kill you. I had heard things like that, but never heard it happen.

[Brieannas21]

She was just trying to do something to make her kids happy. How horrible.
Seriously though, how many people here would ever think an overdose of water would kill you. I had heard things like that, but never heard it happen.


I was watching 20/20 about 5 or 6 years ago and they were talking about teens who took X and how they would drink water endlessly and how they would eventually kill themselves from water intoxication. They did a story about a girl who took X one night and she died of water intoxication because her friends told her to drink 2 gallons of water within a few hrs. So I've known about for years. Water is great for you but you can't drink gallons of it at once.

[Hollow]

google - "water intoxication occurs when a person drinks enough water to significantly lower the concentration of sodium in the blood, causing the brain to swell, which in turn produces a decreased level of consciousness progressing from lethargy to stupor to coma."

what idiots. even if they did advise you not to do it if you don't want to put your health at risk, you don't host deadly games like that. seriously why don't they host a choking game contest?

[jie3]

Here is an article on water intoxication or hyperhyrdation

http://www.answers.com/topic/water-intoxication

In laymans terms

The body can not keep up with producing electrolytes and blood cells wiht such a rapid increase of water intake. In order to compensate your blood cells expand. It is more common in athletes who do not rehyradte properly during excercise, this is why Gatorade and Powerade is used becasue they also give the body sodium and electrolytes to help the body recover quicker.


This is a very sad story and not very well thought out by the radio station. A terrible tragedy that should have been avoided.

People have also died from this because it's symptoms are similar to alcohol intoxication, so they've basically drank excessive amounts of water to try and get drunk.

That's such a tragic story, I hope the radio station is made to answer for their stupidity.

J

[dovelady]

What idiots! Who on earth wouldmake a show like that?? ohno: They're absolutely Bonkers! I mean, honestly now, what kind of idiot came up with that!

[-*Forever*-]

I was watching 20/20 about 5 or 6 years ago and they were talking about teens who took X and how they would drink water endlessly and how they would eventually kill themselves from water intoxication. They did a story about a girl who took X one night and she died of water intoxication because her friends told her to drink 2 gallons of water within a few hrs. So I've known about for years. Water is great for you but you can't drink gallons of it at once.
I saw that as well. It scared me so badly, and now I don't drink nearly as much water as I should.

[*Pleasant Tomorrow*]

Ugh, that's sad :(

[dawsongirl]

I was watching 20/20 about 5 or 6 years ago and they were talking about teens who took X and how they would drink water endlessly and how they would eventually kill themselves from water intoxication. They did a story about a girl who took X one night and she died of water intoxication because her friends told her to drink 2 gallons of water within a few hrs. So I've known about for years. Water is great for you but you can't drink gallons of it at once.
I remember seeing a story on a show like that about a boy who died from hyperhydration while going through a hazing ritual. Pathetic.

[Janice]

The New's report.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuAJPXmwAys

[Janice]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BRF_WATER_INTOXICATION?SITE=7219&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2007-01-16-15-49-13 (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BRF_WATER_INTOXICATION?SITE=7219&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2007-01-16-15-49-13)

Radio Show Pulled After Woman's Death

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- A Sacramento-area morning radio show has been pulled off the air after a woman died last week trying to win a Nintendo Wii during a water-drinking contest at the show's studios.

Executives of KDND-FM posted a note on the station's Web site on Monday saying the "Morning Rave" show would remain off the air while the station investigates the death of 28-year-old Jennifer Lea Strange.

"We are doing everything we can to deal with this difficult situation in a manner that is both respectful and responsible," wrote Vice President and General Manager John Geary on the station's Web site.

Strange was one of about 18 participants who tried to win the system Friday by seeing how much water they could drink without going to the bathroom. The contest was called "Hold your Wee for a Wii."

Strange drank nearly two gallons of water over two hours, according to a contestant. She was found dead several hours later. Preliminary autopsy findings indicated Strange died of water intoxication.

[Brian Damage]

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A radio station fired 10 employees, including its three morning disc jockeys, after a woman died following an on-air water-drinking contest last week.

The hosts of KDND-FM's "Morning Rave" were fired Tuesday, a day after the station said it was suspending the show and investigating the death of Jennifer Lea Strange.

Strange, 28, was one of about 18 contestants who tried to win a Nintendo Wii gaming console by seeing how much water they could drink without going to the bathroom. The show's DJs called the contest "Hold your Wee for a Wii."

During the contest, participants were given two minutes to drink an 8-ounce bottle of water and then given another bottle to drink after a 10-minute break.

Strange may have drunk nearly two gallons, witnesses said. She appeared ill, one contestant said.

After the contest, Strange called in sick to work. She was found dead at her home about five hours later.

The Sacramento County coroner said preliminary autopsy findings indicated she died of water intoxication.

Drinking large quantities of water rapidly can throw off the body's balance of electrolytes, causing brain swelling and leading to seizures, coma or even death.

Strange had showed fellow contestants photographs of her two sons and daughter, for whom she was hoping to win the Nintendo Wii. The game console sells for about $250.

[Janice]

This won't stop a mega-lawsuit, if that's what they're thinking. Whoever is in the highest position at the station needs to go. This was the most moronic stunt I've heard in quite a while. There ought to be a law against contests such as these.

[Ireneparalegal]

This won't stop a mega-lawsuit, if that's what they're thinking. Whoever is in the highest position at the station needs to go. This was the most moronic stunt I've heard in quite a while. There ought to be a law against contests such as these.
That's right! I mean, what does firing a bunch of employees mean? Are they trying to say that the deejays and the others made this contest WITHOUT some approval from the heads/owner of the radio station? Does this mean that jockeys can make any old contest they want?

[bossradio93]

There's another link within the article since I won't post the entire story here.


Sheriff investigates radio contest death

Story, here (http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/01/17/radio.death.reut/index.html).

CNN.com-January 17, 2007

[Seth]

http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=2803402&page=1&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

Normally I'm not a fan of lawsuits, but this time I think it's wholly warranted:
-------
Family of Woman Who Died After Radio Contest Plans to Sue

The family of the woman who died after a radio station water-drinking contest reportedly plans to file a wrongful death suit against the station.


According to The Associated Press, Jennifer Lea Strange's family plans to announce the lawsuit at a news conference today in Sacramento, Calif.


Strange, 28, died Jan. 12, after entering a water-drinking contest sponsored by Sacramento radio station KDND-FM. Detectives have opened a homicide investigation after listening to a tape of the broadcast obtained by The Sacramento Bee newspaper.
(More in article linked)

[Ireneparalegal]

Yesterday on the news, they played a portion of the radio contest and there was a female caller who stated to the deejays, "Don't you know that drinking all that water can be dangerous and that someone can die?" The response given, "Oh we know, but these people signed waivers." Then you hear a bunch of laughing coming from the deejays.

This is soooo wrong. No contest involving food/water/liquid should be held since no medical personnel is around and surely people obviously don't know the dangers. They also played a tape of the woman saying she doesn't feel good. She was on the ground and she said she was willing to drink more water if "someone could pick her up"...the radio station people just laughed at her. The winner of the contest said the victim's stomach had enlarged and it appeared she was four months pregnant.

[Brieannas21]

Didn't the lady work in the medical field? And she didn't know that consuming large amounts of water at one time could kill you?

[MsOrange]

i feel for her family :(

[MsOrange]

This might have already been posted, but they evidently canceled the show that hosted it...

http://endonline.com/index_message.php

[MsOrange]

and I just realized Janice and Brian DEF. beat me to it!

[80s_Fan]

http://news.aol.com/topnews/articles/_a/woman-dies-after-water-drinking-contest/20070114070709990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001 (http://news.aol.com/topnews/articles/_a/woman-dies-after-water-drinking-contest/20070114070709990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001)

Woman Dies After Water-Drinking Contest

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 14) - A woman who competed in a radio station's contest to see how much water she could drink without going to the bathroom died of water intoxication, the coroner's office said Saturday.

The radio station promised the "Hold Your Wee for a Wii" contest winner a Nintendo Wii video game console.

Jennifer Strange, 28, was found dead Friday in her suburban Rancho Cordova home hours after taking part in the "Hold Your Wee for a Wii" contest in which KDND 107.9 promised a Nintendo Wii video game system for the winner.

"She said to one of our supervisors that she was on her way home and her head was hurting her real bad," said Laura Rios, one of Strange's co-workers at Radiological Associates of Sacramento. "She was crying and that was the last that anyone had heard from her."

It was not immediately know how much water Strange consumed.

A preliminary investigation found evidence "consistent with a water intoxication death," said assistant Coroner Ed Smith.

John Geary, vice president and marketing manager for Entercom Sacramento, the station's owner, said station personnel were stunned when they heard of Strange's death.

"We are awaiting information that will help explain how this tragic event occurred," he said.

Initially, contestants were handed eight-ounce bottles of water to drink every 15 minutes.
"They were small little half-pint bottles, so we thought it was going to be easy," said fellow contestant James Ybarra of Woodland. "They told us if you don't feel like you can do this, don't put your health at risk."

Ybarra said he quit after drinking five bottles. "My bladder couldn't handle it anymore," he added.

After he quit, he said, the remaining contestants, including Strange, were given even bigger bottles to drink.

"I was talking to her and she was a nice lady," Ybarra said. "She was telling me about her family and her three kids and how she was doing it for kids."
_________________________________________________________________

In my opinion, radio stations should not conduct such contests as that.

[Janice]

http://wwwimage.cbsnews.com/common/images/v2/logo_cbsnews_small.gif (http://www.cbsnews.com/)

Radio Station Sued In Water-Drinking Death

(AP) The radio station disc jockeys who hosted an on-air water-drinking contest knew that consuming too much water too quickly could be fatal, but they dismissed the concerns with jokes, according to a wrongful death lawsuit filed Thursday.

Jennifer Lea Strange died Jan. 12, hours after taking part in the promotion to win a Nintendo Wii gaming console.

Strange, 28, was one of about 18 contestants who tried to see how much water they could drink without going to the bathroom in a contest called "Hold your Wee for a Wii."

Radio station KDND-FM fired 10 employees after her death.

The lawsuit filed by Strange's family names as defendants KDND's parent company, Entercom/Sacramento, as well as employees and managers who organized, promoted and participated in the contest.

The lawsuit said the employees did not research the contest or warn participants about the risks and did not get medical help even after participants complained about getting sick.

At one point, a listener who identified herself as a nurse called in to warn the disc jockeys that the stunt could be fatal, according to an audio tape of the broadcast.

"Yeah, we're aware of that," one of them responded.

Another DJ laughed: "Yeah, they signed releases, so we're not responsible. We're OK."

The lawsuit claims that Strange never signed a liability waiver.

The radio station would not comment directly about the lawsuit, Entercom spokesman Charles Sipkins said.

"We reiterate our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Strange family, but we do not comment on pending litigation," he said.

Also Thursday, a spokesman for the U.S. Federal Communications Commission said the agency has joined the investigation into Strange's death at the request of attorneys for the family.

"Chairman (Kevin) Martin has asked the enforcement bureau to look into the matter," FCC spokesman Clyde Ensslin said. "He was obviously troubled by the information in the letter."
Contestants said Strange drank up to two gallons of water. She was interviewed several hours into the contest, saying she looked pregnant because her belly was swollen and complaining that her head hurt.

"This is what it feels like when you're drowning," said one of the disc jockeys. "There's a lot of water inside you."

Strange eventually relented and accepted the second-place prize, tickets to a Justin Timberlake concert. Her mother found her dead several hours later at the family's home.

[Lee]

This is just terrible.