Woman dies trying to win a Wii
By Evan Blass 
posted Jan 14th 2007 4:05PM
posted Jan 14th 2007 4:05PM
With all the hysteria and violence surrounding the PlayStation 3 launch, we were almost positive that it would be the pursuit of Sony's hard-to-find console which would lead to the tragic death of a hopeful gamer. But even though there were numerous scuffles and injuries in the race to secure a PS3, the first and only casualty in the next-gen wars turned out to be a woman trying to win a Wii for her children -- and she lost her life in much more bizarre circumstances than the retail madness we witnessed in late November. 28-year-old Jennifer Strange of Rancho Cardova, CA was found dead inside her home on Friday afternoon after competing in a radio station-sponsored competition which pitted hopefuls against one another for the prize of Nintendo's latest and greatest. Instead of competing on the playing fields of Wii sports or the Japanese streets of Red Steel, however, contestants gathered inside the studios of Sacramento's KDND The End to see who could drink the most water without urinating. The ridiculously-titled "Hold Your Wee for a Wii" contest had entrants imbibe eight ounces of water every fifteen minutes for 90 minutes, after which they were given larger portions until a winner emerged. Ms. Strange -- who did not win -- left the studio in tears, and she was last heard from by her employers at Radiological Associates of Sacramento complaining of a terrible headache. Autopsy results released yesterday showed signs of water intoxication, wherein the body's electrolyte levels are dangerously unbalanced due to a rapid intake of the seemingly harmless liquid. A spokesperson from The End came out with the usual sob story following news of Strange's death, but at least one of her coworkers thinks the station should have done more to prevent this tragedy; it's probably a pretty safe bet that a lawsuit is forthcoming. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Read the goddamn article! Why do you think this has _anything_ to do with Nintendo?
It's the radio station that should be sued, not the big N.
Dude, the poor lady died trying to win her children a Wii. That is not funny. That is tragic. My thoughts are with her children.
U are a stupid ass mac user. Just cuz ur brain is controlled by Apple the evil empire doesn't mean the whole world is stupid as u.
These extreme contests look like the next best thing for radio and tv execs until someone dies. Then they come with bs stories. I wonder how many others who particpated will End the same.
mac user: you're an idiot. you should heed your own advice, stupid people also say stupid things all the time; always have, always will.
@Matt
Nice one Matt. You don’t come off like an Assh*le at all.
Tragic...
February 4, 2005, "Fraternity pledge died of water poisoning
Forced drinking can disastrously dilute blood's salt content" (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/02/04/BAGNSB576121.DTL)
Never, ever, hold a contest unless you are clearly aware of any circumstances that may harm your contestants, especially permanent injuries or death. End of story.
If she didn't sign a waiver, I rule in favor of the plaintiffs.
signing a waiver is irrelevant. she can sign anything she wants, no one would knowingly waive death if they truly knew that drinking water would kill them. They especially wouldn't waive death for a Wii. It doesn't matter what she signed, her family will win.
i think the family shouldnt win. I researched this, and apparently during the contest she complained of stomach pains and other discomforts. Anyone who would continue to drink after that would know that they would probably be at least ill after continuing to drink. also, she competed of her own free will, and, in my opinion, the family should not be able to win the law suit. It was a tragic event, but the lawsuit is in my opinion uncalled for.
Water intoxication? You're joking .. I drink 2 litres of water in a matter of an hour at the gym ..what the hell is water intoxication? Bad water?
RTFA, douche.
"water intoxication, wherein the body's electrolyte levels are dangerously unbalanced due to a rapid intake of the seemingly harmless liquid."
I can see the headline now:
Strange death for wii.
Yes, but did the radio station take the necessary precaution to make sure there wasn't too much water? Just before some get on their high horse and say she signed a waiver.
Death through over consumption of water is not that uncommon, so not only should there be a civl lawsuit, but I'm guessing there's probably a criminal liability too.
There was a famous case in the UK where a novice Ecstasy user (her name was Leah Betts) consumed a vast amount of water, convinced she was going to die of dehydration. She died of organ failure from too much water...
Manslaughter...
This is terrible, someone at that station is going DOWN. Who the hell allowed this!?
I don't know about you guys, but I learned that in high school...
As Peter pointed out, there was a very well-known case just a few miles north of Sacramento where fraternity hazing caused a fatality. I'm nowhere near as close as Sacramento, but that was all over the news here, as was the follow-up story about how dangerous large amounts of water can be. As I was reading this story, this came to mind immediately. KDND is going to pay. Entercom is going to pay. Big time.
Ah, corporate pop radio stations. The 13-year-old boys locker rooms of the music industry. How I will not miss thee. And how fitting that the end begins with The End.
Tragic but... THE END? LOL LOL LOL!!!!
What a tragic and senseless death! The people who work in the marketing department at radio stations are not the brightest bulbs on the string, and it shows what happens when they use "Jackass" techniques to get attention. I hope the premium on the station's general liability policy is paid up - they're gonna need every penny.
Some pretty insensitive comments in here. The woman was just trying to win a gift for her children, assuming what she was doing was completely harmless, as most would.
Her brain basically suffocated due to lack of oxygen in her watered-down blood. That would seem like an incredibly painful, and sad, way to go.
Last year a park police officer in Washington DC died from drinking too much water. It's not uncomoon, and yes, the radio station should be at least considered for criminal charges. A civil suit is a foregone conclusion (and one that the radio station should lose, even if the woman DID sign a waiver).
1 Question:
did she win the console? since she never took a wii?
I don't think the comments are harsh at all. I hope they have the book thrown at them. Matter of fact I'd love to see them sued to the point where they have to sell the station and the D.J.'s who masterminded the stunt go to prison. Besides, who the hell listens to crappy terrestrial radio anyhow? - 10 minutes of songs and 15 minutes of commericals - They have to pull shitty stunts just like this to get a listener base.
This is, unfortunately, something that often happens in endurance sports (marathons, triathlons, etc). Athletes are advised to mix water consumption with electrolyte (gatorade, powerade, etc) consumption to avoid this very thing.
The radio station should have done it's homework and/or ran this idea by a doctor.
Stupid DJs. Stupid Radio station. I hope they goto JAIL!
See, the Dihydrogen Monoxide Research Division was right!
http://www.dhmo.org/
(for the clueless: http://www.snopes.com/science/dhmo.asp )
@Ignacio
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dihydrogen_Monoxide
"The water molecule has the chemical formula H2O, meaning each molecule of water is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
Literally, the term "dihydrogen monoxide" means "two hydrogen, one oxygen", consistent with its molecular formula: the prefix di in dihydrogen means "two", the prefix mono in monoxide means "one", and an oxide is a compound that contains one or more oxygen atoms. However, in actual chemical terms, such numeric prefixes are only used for certain compounds. For instance, H2S is simply called hydrogen sulfide, though the name dihydrogen sulfide is also still commonly used both in industry and in universities. Li2O is dilithium oxide. Dilithium monoxide and lithium oxide are also common and acceptable names for Li2O.
Still, "dihydrogen monoxide", is simply a chemical term for water, but sounds dangerous to those who do not understand the name. The term monoxide, despite its systematic origin, has negative connotations due to its association with the highly toxic carbon monoxide. The mono- prefix is usually only applied in cases where there are two or more possible oxide compounds, such as the case with carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, and silicon monoxide and silicon dioxide.
Water has a regular scientific or systematic name of hydrogen oxide, as well as an alkali name of hydrogen hydroxide and several acid names such as hydroxic acid, hydroxylic acid, and hydroxilic acid. Incidentally, the term "hydroxyl acid" used in the original hoax is slightly incorrect, as it does not follow convention.
Water is not a chemical name under any recognized nomenclature, nor is it international. It also is not the term normally used for the solid or gaseous forms. Under the 2005 revisions of IUPAC nomenclature of inorganic chemistry, there is no single correct name for every compound, and water is one acceptable name for this compound. Additional names of μ-oxido dihydrogen and oxidane have been developed for this compound."
This is really not much different than if they'd had an alcohol drinking contest and were trying to see who could drink the most everclear before passing out. I mean, the effect is basically the same. Would any radio station in their right mind have had such a contest? Of course not; their lawyers would scream bloody murder at the first whiff of alcohol. They'd know the liability issues.
And if any radio station *did* have such an irresponsible contest, they'd be sued out of business. So I hope that's what happens here.
And Jesus, what the kids must be going through right now. REALLY sucks for them; their mom died trying to win them a video game system. Try to live with *that* for the rest of your life.
@ matt (first post)
what the hell is wrong with you? this isn't funny.. it's tragic, and you respond with "lol." seriously, what the hell?
Mac User: nice troll. Get back udner the bridge.
Folks generally don't know that you can OD on water. It is not common knowledge. The same cannot be said for alcohol. This was a tragic accident born of ignorance on all involved.
This is just ridiculous. How can you be so dumb and drink that much water.
Likely cause of death: Sudden hypervolemic hyponatremia. Very sad. The headaches were likely due to the sudden osmotic shift of fluid into the brain tissue. This had nothing to due with suffocation "due to lack of oxygen in her watered-down blood."
I'm sure that the radio station made all the contestants sign the waiver, so I don't see what's wrong with what they did with holding the contest. Like any contest, this one has consequences, and Jennifer should've known not to push herself too far.
I can't imagine how awful her kids will feel each time they remember how she died...
sad.... hope the family sues the station into oblivion
What a terrible tragedy. She was only doing it for her children.
This is a horrible tragic story. And for those that missed it she did NOT win the Wii. This means she died for nothing making it doubly tragic.
I hope the family is compensated so well they put an end to these stupid radio station promotions. I bet if someone did a study of death by radio promotion you would all be shocked.
FiniFinito
And even if she did win it? As if a game console that is $250...hell as if any game console is worth dieing for.
I bet if someone did a study of death by radio promotion you would all be shocked.
-----------
You mean brain death from the egotistical clueless DJs, so-called "music" and irritating ads? I think the figure is in the millions...
"Water intoxication? You're joking .. I drink 2 litres of water in a matter of an hour at the gym ..what the hell is water intoxication? Bad water?"
Keyword: Gym
Exercise & sweating create a need to restore water to the body.
And no, it's not "bad water".
"A person with two healthy kidneys can excrete about 1.5 litres of water per hour at maximum filtration (other studies find the limit to be as little as 0.9L/h [2]). Consuming as little as 1.8 litres of water in a single sitting may prove fatal for a person adhering to a low-sodium diet, or 3 litres for a person on a normal diet."
Some insensitive pricks on here. But then again what do you expect from a man/woman that sits behind their screen thinking that they are the judges of the world. Condemning anything and anyone that doesn't fit their version of reality. Its easy to assume the high chair, when you are slouched over your screen, unable to grasp reality and emotion.
I pity those who are so disconnected from the real world, protected by their seemingly impenetrable bubble .... unable to feel or respond to human loss.
What a sad world we live in.
What's next? "Drink your Wee for a Wii". People are crazy, I actually see this happening.
Agreed Lucas... I think also that there is a little defense of the infallible Nintendo from some people. Both the radio station and Nintendo should be ashamed of themselves. The radio station for staging such a contest, and Nintendo for trickling their systems out in an attempt to keep the hype and hysteria over the system alive.
well first thing first... Yeah, its tragic that she died, but, if someone came up to me and said "Hey, we're having a contest to see who can drink the most water without taking a piss to win a Wii" I would seriously laugh and think "Yeah, Im in" (well before reading this anyway). I mean it really sounds so innocent. Just imagine how badly those DJ's feel for involuntary manslaughter (if it can even be called that).
How many people know that too much water can kill? I bet 99% dont. So while this is tragic, and I DO believe that her family should be compensated, I DO NOT believe there should be any criminal charges against the DJ's or the station.
Secondly, EvilFixx... I hope you're kidding about nintendo being to blame in any way shape or form. If you are serious, you should seek mental help because that kind of thinking implies that you are severely retarded.
Thirdly, to all the insensitive assholes making jokes, I wish you could feel 1/10th the pain those kids are feeling right now. Maybe you'd change your tune, but that would mean you have some sort of conscience which I am seriously doubting. I Hope you enjoy eternity burning in hell! Bring marshmallows!!! ;)
E-Mail 107.9 The END Station Manager - http://endonline.com/station_content/email_station.php
this really is sad... she did sign a waiver though. it talks about it in the original story.
@mac user :: you are an idiot.
What about the frat-boy and his hound that were shot to death in a police raid after the kid was implicated in the theft of a couple of a friend's PS3 units? That was a month ago or more!
jeez, if people just waited 3 weeks, they would be alive and have the wii or a ps3.
i just went to traget and saw them in stock!
Yes the Radio station was stupid for holding a contest like this. BUT .. contestants are STUPID for participating in it.
People have to accept responsibility for their own actions too.
Like the old saying my mom would tell me when I said "but all the kids are doing it (ie some silly kid activity)"
"If everyone jumped off a cliff - would you too?"
Jeff,
any everyone else rolling their eyes over this. Get this through you damn head. People on average DO NOT know that you can die from drinking too much water. We aren't talking a Darwin award here. We aren't talking about knowing that gas is explosive. That alcohol can impair your ability to drive. Ir even that using a sledge hammer on a RPG to see what's inside might not be the smartest move.
Its fucking water after all. Shit. How many of you know how much caffeine it takes to OD? Anyone? Just about anything can kill you. The problem is knowing that and knowing how much it takes to kill you.
Yes that's it. She willingly sacrificed her own life in order to win a Wii. Gimmie a break. You make it sound like she knew she was going to die. Stupid and pointless comment.
Why is it us Europeans, always say ..... "Only in America !" .. with an uneasy smile, reading those Engadget stories about shootings, death and crime ?
Why is it Europeans tend to be so full of themselves? Are there an arrogance additives in your water?
You killed her!
No, sir, actually, wii killed her.
Is that a confession?
------------------------------------
Stupid on the contestants' and the contest holders' part. That's one of the ways you wouldn't want to die. Kinda like choking on marshmallows =/
They should at least give her children a Wii.
Her kids must feel like shit.
"Mommy did it for you...."
Darwinism at its finest.
I'll ignore what an insensitive prick you are. How exactly is this Darwinism at it's finest? She already had kids moron. Hardly effective natural selection if she's already procreated. Not Darwinism by any means. Just tragic. So when your mom dies, what will you say?
What a bunch of stupid djs. You would think that people would know that water can kill you by now.
I hate radio stations. "we hear some pizza place is taking PESOS for PIZZA! HAHAA! we're gonna call them up! Then we'll call up some retarded no-legged black crack addict and make fun of how many times he can say 'bitch' in one sentence! We'll then chainsaw a tickle me elmo and give a candy bar wrapper to whoever can eat the pieces and not die!"
There is a silver lining to the story...she is a shoe in for a Darwin Award.
At least her kids can play with the trophy.
Yes, her kids can.... wait a minute, she already had kids. So your stupid Darwin comment doesn't really make any sense now does it?
Look at it this way - people will do stupid things - without regard for their own well being - especially for something free. I don't think any pity should be bestowed upon her for dying. If she wanted to get her kids a Wii there are other ways to approach it. Buy it maybe? So was her life worth essentially $250 dollars?
People are stupid.
isnt it ironic that the radio station was named "the end"?
Why is it Europeans tend to be so full of themselves? Are there arrogance additives in your water?
I had to correct my grammar. I would hate to get an uneasy smile from you.
This usually happens with Ecstacy use, the drug makes you feel like your constantly thirsty and people don't stop them drinking water because they think it can do no harm.
Actually, the drug usually inhibits your body from temperature control. You also lose any hunger.
People drink water not because they are thirsty (their body won't send a signal to them), but because they want to stay hydrated for fear of dehydration.
If you lose track of time (as in, how long ago was it that you drank water last) or aren't watching your intake, you could "overdose" on water.
Rule of thumb that I've found is to carry a liter of water with you, and finish that over the course of the night. Unless you are really active during that time, then drink another half to full liter.
Please practice safe drug use.
It's sad to see how insensitive and rude people are talking about this tragic death. I know it is hard to feel bad about something that stands far away from you, and perhaps we shouldnt try to feel bad about it at all. However, I dont think there is any reason to try and be funny and respectless. This woman surely did not want to die and probably never even thought about a situation like that. She simply wanted to win her kids a present.
I feel sorry for her and for her kids.
I have the opinion that someone who uses "u", "ur", "cuz", and can't spell, are not allowed to call someone else 'stupid'.
17. KDND-107.9 THE END radio, its agencies, affiliates, sponsors, or representatives absolve themselves of any liability, financial or otherwise, resultant of any "on" or "off" air contest staged by KDND-107.9 THE END.
See, line 17 of the waiver clearly states that its a-okay for the station to kill you, but they certainly aern't responsible. Uh, yea. Waivers really mean squat in court.
The radio station was completely ignorant and negligent, but the woman was ignorant as well. I don't feel as bad about her death as some, as I think she's partly responsible for her own death, willingly doing this for a Wii. I realize that she probably didnt know about water poisoning/intoxication, but the radio station didn't either. They should have done their research, or maybe the world should be full of smarter people who know very basic things. I don't know.
Well the death of anyone is very tragic. While the woman was a bit irresponsible and should have known that too much of ANYTHING in your system is a bad thing, the radio station should not have done that kind of promotion without making people signing some kind of waver. There needed to be more thought put into this promotion; the result was tragic and senseless. Very sad.
Unless the waver warns the contestants that YOU CAN DIE from this contest, your argument that the radio station isn't 100% responsible doesn't hold up.
This pretty much ruined my day. This poor woman just wanting to win a game system for her kids...and the picture of her driving home, crying because her head was hurting her...things like this make the world suck. Most people don't realize you can drink too much water; trust me, I've spoken to people about this when they get onto me for not drinking enough water. People just don't know.
Drinking too much water is one of those things people should be taught in school. (Hm... How about in that completely useless Physical "Education" program?).
Yep, very unfortunate for that person. Tragic :(
I fear for the person who won this contest...
LOL. This should be an easy win for the radio station.
At least the good news is that when her family sues and wins the lawsuit, they can buy thousands of Wii's!
We can only hope that the 2nd place winner received the Wii.
Some of these comments are really insensitive. It's totally sad what happened. A family lost their mother over a stupid contest. This is a women who loved her children so much, she participated by holding out longer than anyone to secure a Wii for her family.
I've since heard the district attorney is NOT going to prosecute this as a criminal matter, which is a shame, because the radio station should be at fault. They did not research the risk involved, nor did they have a doctor available.
While nothing can be back this family's mother, I sincerely hope the family can get through this difficult time. This will probably affect the kids for life.
Please, I implore you to contact the companies that advertise with the station. Specifically those contained here:
http://www.endonline.com/station_content/advertising_clients.php
Tell them that you don't think they should support reckless behavior and if you really believe this is wrong, that you will not patronize their establishments until they make a statement to that effect.
This is horrible and irresponsible.
lobbying the advertisers - and possibly boycotting them - is a smart move.
The first to distance itself from the station should be the Office of Problem Gambling, email OPG@adp.ca.gov
This is stupid. They couldn't have even had a contest to see who could PEE the most (volume), since it would *still* involve drinking too much water. Holding your urine? Stupid. Drinking too much water? Stupid.
Nothing like tragedy to bring out the 12 year socially retarded insensitive dorks. Amazing.
The contest called for them to drink 1.4 L of water in 90 minutes, or about 0.9 L in an hour. Hyperhydration can be caused by as little as 0.9 L/hr. Our kidneys can only handle like 1.5 L/h. The radiostation essentially sponsored a contest they should've called "kill yourself for a Wii".
They *should* have had an ejaculation contest to see WHO can squirt the most semen into a Dixie cup. lol Now THAT'S a contest I'd LOVE to judge!!!!!
gay?
i dont think you guys understand that she did this to try and get a free wii, if no waiver signed family is going to take them to court.
Holy Cow!
To all the trolls making snotty comments about this woman and saying (or implying) that she "got what she deserved" and other juvenile illiterate garbage...
Are you fucking retarded? Is there something wrong with your tiny little brains? Did your mothers drop you on your heads and then kick you around when you were babies? Those are about the only things I can think of to explain your apparent mental malfunctions. Now...
GTFO
gb2 /b/
and go make yourselves an hero.
IF you can understand that, gooooood for you, b-tards. If not, I don't care. Have one of your thirteen-year-old friends translate it for you.
This is how the cases are where people die after taking ecstasy, They don't die from the actual ecstasy but from drinking too much water. The girl was not dumb for drinking too much water because most people believe that you cannot die from drinking too much water, Alcohol maybe but not water. The radio-station was very stupid because people will push them selves far beyond the limits simply to win a contest let alone a wii.
The (disgusting) tag line on local television news: H-2-Overdose (no kidding)
The maximum ability of the kidney to secrete water is 750 cc per hour; she drank approx 1000 cc. In young women, there is a tendency to have impaired water secretion, hence her capacity may have been 500 cc or less. The radio station essentially invited these people to play another form of "Russian Roulette."
She diluted her Na down very rapidly and developed cerebral edema which explains why she didn't feel well and had a headache. Not only was the radio station remiss in this contest, but they should have taken her immediately to an emergency room, where the doctors would have quickly recognized what was happening and instituted treatment that would have saved her life.
This must be terrible for the mothers family. This must also be at least semi-frightening for the person who actually won the contest. Imagine that you participate in this contest not knowing of what might happen and the person who got 2nd place dies. Scary!
sue their sorry asses
Water dosnt kill people, Wii's kill people.
That's sad.
It can kill you and it's not a commonly known fact. I had 2 coworkers screwing around one day, trying to pound as much water as they could in 5 minutes.
"Uhhh guys, that's not such a good idea, it can kill you." They laughed at me. I went to a workstation and looked it up, showed them the page, went back to work. Both of them had really bad headaches for about an hour.
Well said Dave.
I agree that it is not common knowledge of the damage too much water can cause and the woman, in no way was stupid for participating.
In the same light, it can't be expected that the radio guys would know this as common knowledge as well. Precisely the reason why they are not being prosecuted criminally
You have dangerouse contests all over the country. Look at how many eating contests there are and the potential for chocking deaths.
In this litigious society it is an almost certainty that the stations legal dept. had all contestants sign a waiver. Not because they expected this incident, but for things like someone tripping and falling or suffering a heart attack.
With the pro-water statements being made everywhere in the popular media and from medical professionals, it isn't surprising that the woman thought it was harmless. Even I - who was aware that it was possible - thought that the volume required was higher than the 3 litres in an hour mark. Most people think that items we consider "food" are not going to kill them. Even so, a teaspoon of sugar chased by a teaspoon of salt can kill a baby or young child, heaped tablespoons can do the same to many adults.
That was an incredibly stupid and dangerous contest. Anyone who runs long distance races knows that toomuch water in your system can kill you.
Man this sucks. I would have bought her kids a wii to keep her alive.
Hyponatremia is nothing to laugh about. I can hardly beleive the comment that referred to this woman as a "stupid bitch". Seriously, how f*cked up is it to say something like that? A couple of months ago, I had a similar situation happen to me. I was dehydrated from a burn, and drank more water than I should have. If I hadn't been in an Emergency Room when I had a seizure, I would be dead right now.
I'm all for free expression and everything, but comments like that are ridiculous. Can you imagine telling this family that their mom got what she deserved? Anybody like that is far more deserving of death (in my opinion) than this woman, who's only mistake was ignorance.
Well it is the radio stations fault. Water toxicity is hardly an unknown phenomenon, that's how a lot of people die when taking ecstasy, they end up drinking too much water as they are scared of getting dehydrated and it raises the body temperature. Anyone who forces people to drink loads of water without looking into it beforehand deserves to go to jail although the contestants themselves were just as idiotic to agree to do this to themselves in the first place.