£10m fine for death by water

Bo Wilson12 April 2012

The family of a mother who died after drinking too much water in a radio competition has been awarded nearly £10million compensation.

A California jury decided that Entercom Sacramento, operator of KDND-FM radio, was liable for the death of Jennifer Strange after ignoring warnings, given during the contest by a show host and a listener, that it could have fatal consequences.

Ms Strange, 28, a local mother of three, died in January 2007 of acute water intoxication after failing to win a Nintendo Wii video game system.

Twenty people tried to drink the most without going to the lavatory in "Hold Your Wee for a Wii". Ms Strange is believed to have drunk nearly 7.5 litres.

She initially joked on air that she "looked pregnant again" but later complained of an upset stomach and headache.

She was sick immediately after the competition - in which she came second - before heading home. She was found dead that afternoon.

Water intoxication can happen when the body's normal balance is altered by a rapid intake of water. The brain can swell, so it no longer regulates breathing.

During the trial, the radio station and its owner, neither of which faced criminal charges, argued that Ms Strange should have known the contest might be dangerous. Ten station employees have been sacked.

Entercom spokesman Charles Sipkins said: "Jennifer Strange's death was a tragedy. Our hearts go out to all of her loved ones, including her husband and children."

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