Woman Dies Trying to Win Radio Station Contest

A contest held by radio station 107.9 The End in Sacramento, CA lead to the death of a 28-year old woman who participated in the contest, according to the Los Angeles Times. Jennifer Strange was found dead, in her home, the afternoon of her participation in the early morning radio station contest where she consumed more than a gallon of water. To win the contest, you had to drink the most water without using the bathroom. The prize for the winner of the contest was a Nintendo Wii system.

Water overdose or hyperhydration can occur for a number of different reasons at age age. Symptoms of water poisoning include nausea and vomiting; sadly, drinking too much water too fast can also lead to seizures, coma, and death.

Can you really drink too much water? According to About.com Chemistry Guide Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D the answer is "Yes. Drinking too much water can lead to a condition known as water intoxication and to a related problem resulting from the dilution of sodium in the body... Read more