A woman named
Jennifer Strange died from water intoxication after participating in a radio station contest called "
Hold Your Wee for a Wii". The contest, held by KDND's "The Morning Rave," involved contestants drinking large amounts of water without urinating for a chance to win a Nintendo Wii. She died hours later due to the effects of
water intoxication, also known as
hyponatremia.
The contest, which took place on January 12, 2007, involved contestants drinking as much water as they could to win the popular console. The contest organizers were aware of the potential dangers, with listeners calling in to warn them about the risks of water intoxication, and even stating that contestants had signed waivers. Despite this, the contest continued, and the amount of water given to the remaining contestants was doubled midway through. Jennifer Strange, who was a mother of three, finished second in the contest, winning a pair of concert tickets. She later called in sick to work and died in her bathroom.
Water intoxication is a rare condition where the sodium levels in the blood become dangerously diluted due to excessive water intake. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, seizures, coma, and death. The Guardian reports that the contest organizers were found liable for her death in a lawsuit.
