Woman dies after Wii contest

28-year-old who took part in "hold your wee for a Wii" radio show competition dies of likely water intoxication, reports AP.

Mother-of-three Jennifer Strange was hoping to win one of Nintendo's next-gen consoles for her children. But the KDND 107.9 radio show contest she took part in had a tragic end when the woman was found dead in her Rancho Cordova, California, home.

Coroner Ed Smith, performing a preliminary investigation, found evidence that was "consistent with a water intoxication death."

The winner of the Wii game console was to be the person who managed to not go to the toilet for the longest amount of time, despite consuming large quantities of water. Contestants had to drink an eight-ounce bottle of water every 15 minutes--one quit after five bottles. In the later stages of the competition, the remaining entrants were given even bigger bottles to drink.

It is not yet clear how much water Ms. Strange consumed. She told a colleague after the contest that she felt sick and had a "really bad" headache. The woman was later found dead in her suburban home. It is not known if Ms. Strange succeeded in winning the console.

A spokesperson for the radio station commented, "We are awaiting information that will help explain how this tragic event occurred."

998 Comments

  • Boston_Boyy

    Posted May 1, 2009 8:54 pm PT

    that's pretty bad I don't care if it was a stupid thing for the woman to do it's really terrible that it happened in the first place

  • shroomario

    Posted Apr 20, 2007 7:07 pm PT

    wow!

  • diableria

    Posted Jan 28, 2007 5:06 pm PT

    if at least it was a 60 GB PS3...

  • speedracer216

    Posted Jan 22, 2007 9:36 pm PT

    i can't figure out how she didn't start throwing up all that water. people at my college tried this once (stupid) and they all started throwing up after less than a gallon.
    either way this is horrible. it's indicative of the stupid world we live in today where it's supposedly entertaining or funny to watch people suffer. well now they're sick game of forcing someone to hold their urine (which could also have caused a burst bladder) has resulted in a death. was it worth it? you think your ratings will go up? they'll have to live with this forever.

  • EmptySki

    Posted Jan 21, 2007 8:08 am PT

    I hope that the radio station gets nailed for that, how stupid of them!

  • Eclipse83Lives

    Posted Jan 21, 2007 4:06 am PT

    Radio stations. They got to get rid of the pot smoking morning crews.

  • LanceK17

    Posted Jan 20, 2007 2:06 pm PT

    What kind of sick competition is that?!

  • Gizmyle

    Posted Jan 20, 2007 1:27 pm PT

    That's just awful... And all that just for a Wii?

    I'd never do something that stupid...

    OK, I would, but still.

  • Destroyeron13

    Posted Jan 20, 2007 6:57 am PT

    Thats not right...

  • G-2-0

    Posted Jan 19, 2007 9:03 pm PT

    wow...imagine the kids

  • hafaholo

    Posted Jan 19, 2007 8:14 pm PT

    sad

  • Impostorzim

    Posted Jan 19, 2007 7:23 pm PT

    Same here, this is very very sad. Between the fact that people would be dumb enough to go to an extreme as to drink that much water for a Wii is just not worth it in my opinion. Those kids are gonna need counseling or something. Wow... They should get 100 Wiis after something like that. I dont know I cant imagine losing my mother over something like a game system.

  • Ultragunner9999

    Posted Jan 19, 2007 6:35 pm PT

    What a stupid idea for a contest. Those DJs obviously have only GEDs and don't think ahead of things. Didn't those stupid men hear those horrible frat stories, which are true. I'm not a legal expert, but I think that counts as manslaughter in some places. Those guys need to get fired or something for their stupidity. That level of carelessness, recklessness, and sheer inane methodology make Jonny Moseley look somewhat intelligent (and that is a big compliment). I apologize, I know this really sounds very ranty. Finally, my condolences to the family.

  • cammoule

    Posted Jan 19, 2007 10:08 am PT

    Try to think before you act !
    Bad luck!

  • MegaMAN1121

    Posted Jan 18, 2007 5:15 pm PT

    That sad I'm pretty sorry for her. Also for Nintendo for giving the Wii a bad name

  • aerisol

    Posted Jan 18, 2007 2:19 pm PT

    thats kind of sad and also a pretty shameful way to die.

  • siscofjm

    Posted Jan 18, 2007 2:59 am PT

    Ultimately I think that the radio station is liable and any employee involved. Main point being is they saw this lady laying on the ground and in distress on their property, and if they failed to give or offer medical attention then I think there fully responsible. Yeah she may have signed a release, but so did Dr. Kevorkian's victims and he still went to prison.

  • FallofDestiny

    Posted Jan 17, 2007 9:25 pm PT

    Ok, guys, first of all...this is mainly to The_Souless_One. I have taken Biology class, and I have researched beforehand. People can die b/c of drinking excessive amounts of water. Doesn't matter if its tainted or pure. If you want specifics, it deals with deluting the blood sugar, and etc. The radio station who held this contest, deserves to be shut down or sued, b/c above all, a life is more than a Wii. Espcially a loving mother....>_

  • ephilx

    Posted Jan 17, 2007 7:43 pm PT

    Very sad indeed. That proves that it is the dose what makes the poison. Maybe the next time they´ll at least have asked a doctor for advise before making a contest...

  • sasuke248

    Posted Jan 17, 2007 6:23 pm PT

    thats sad

  • The_Souless_One

    Posted Jan 17, 2007 6:18 pm PT

    Its not nintendo's fault or the radio station's fault its the company that sold the radio station the water im pretty sure you cant die from drinking to much water but you can die from tainted water. Does anybody know who sold the water to the radio station?

  • NinjaWallace

    Posted Jan 17, 2007 5:23 pm PT

    I'd find it funny if the autopsy came in and she died from something else, considering everyone is blaming the radio station.

  • Saphire_Kitsune

    Posted Jan 17, 2007 3:23 pm PT

    That's awful, how can those DJ's be so idiotic?
    I hope her kids are dealing with this okay...

  • mnmguy94

    Posted Jan 17, 2007 3:10 pm PT

    i feel so bad for the kids. they lost their mom and they might not even get a Wii in the process. Wat kind of idiot Djs would make up a contest like that?

  • eric_4_life

    Posted Jan 17, 2007 2:31 pm PT

    This contest was stupid, the DJs should have told people of the dangers, I mean drinking that much water can't be healthy, and yet the contest told them to do it. Usually, such contests aren't supposed to be dangerous, just scarry or discusting. If I were her husband/boyfriend, I would sue them!

  • foola12

    Posted Jan 17, 2007 12:14 pm PT

    ..(no comment)...

  • DravenSDD

    Posted Jan 17, 2007 11:24 am PT

    Wow... you can't help but be shocked at that, but sadly it's no surprise... there is so much hype in America and so little true need that people oftentimes get out of control with what they want... The fact she had children is truly the most painful part of this tragic story. It's stories like this that, I at least hope, when read will make others appreciate what they have and not be envious of what they don't.

  • xatman911

    Posted Jan 17, 2007 10:47 am PT

    That is crazy. I would not give my life away for Wii even if it was the last one in the world.

  • fissure_ocarina

    Posted Jan 17, 2007 10:01 am PT

    Must suck for the kids.

    "Hey guys, you're mom just died in our contest. But at least you won a Wii!"

  • TensiNothing

    Posted Jan 17, 2007 8:57 am PT

    see how smart radio DJ's are?

    so kids, you now know, not to be one when you grow up..
    because you'll end up being stupid... maybe not... just stay in school!

    this is rediculous, what people will do for a Wii and what people will do to people for a Wii.

    =( sad story in all honesty.. I feel bad for the family =(

  • akuma7703

    Posted Jan 17, 2007 7:50 am PT

    twix14 said:
    "i cant believe they are trying to put the blame on the wii. Only America..."

    Where in this entire news article do you see them blaming the Wii? Nowhere in this article has anyone blamed the Wii. The station deserves to be sued because (if you follow the news) a nurse called in BEFORE the show and warned the DJ's about the danger. The DJ's laughed it off and didn't pass on the info to the contestants (who knew nothing of the danger- truth is, not too many people-yourself included- knew of the inherent danger)...everyone generally assumes drinking clean bottled water is harmless. You see dudes entering beer-guzzling competions and hot-dog competitions..besides a medical expert how many regular cats know clean drinking water can kill? Most cat's figure you'd get sick, throw up and be fine a day later (as it is in beer-chugging/hot-dog comps).

    "Harsh as it sound, anyone who dies of water intoxication probably deserves it for being so stupid.."

    I don't usually start cursing at cats for no reason but you're an idiot with a capital "I". Someone just died trying to do something nice for her kids and you call her stupid. Would you call your own mother or sister stupid for entering a supposedly harmless contest to try and win you something you really wanted? If I had kids and figured there was a fun, simple, and risk-free way to make them happy for the holidays I'd do the same thing- it was the station's fault for not fully informing the contestants of the risk and also for not having a medical proffesional on standby. They also didn't offer her medical assistance when she complained of the nauseating feelings that began AFTER she dropped out the competition.

  • twix14

    Posted Jan 17, 2007 6:52 am PT

    i cant believe they are trying to put the blame on the wii.
    Only America.

    Theres probably gonna be a suit against the station or nintendo by the family or somethin...Only America.

    Harsh as it sound, anyone who dies of water intoxication probably deserves it for being so stupid...

    If ur body hurts from drinking tons of water, stop drinking it till u pee it all out.

    what? did she drink 4 gallons or somethin?

  • skywalker333

    Posted Jan 17, 2007 3:58 am PT

    more bad advertisment against wii for no reason. its not nintendo's or wii's fault. its the station that hosted the game and the idiots who played.
    for crying out loud, how could it be possible to drink gallons and gallons of water and expect everything to be ok... jeez...

  • ftjx

    Posted Jan 17, 2007 3:56 am PT

    http://wii.ign.com/articles/755/755951p1.html

  • Bathyj

    Posted Jan 17, 2007 1:37 am PT

    leapfrog91

    Dude, if you cant be bothered readin my post, I dont see how you can attack my opinions based on one line you read. I am not heartless (but I might be an SOB) I just want blame aimed at the right people when things go wrong. And things do go wrong, and we cant help it. thats why they call them accidents.


    cckcmain

    Ok, maybe I shouldn't comment when I dont know every detail of every story but answer me this. Who spilt the coffee on her? I dont care how hot it was, you expect coffee to be at least hot enough to burn you if you spill it on yourself. Bottomline, if it stayed in the cup she wouldn't have got burned. If on the other hand a Macca's worker bumped her and spilt it or it actually melt through the cup then yes I agree they would have bee totally at fault. Its funny these lawsuits always seem to happen to big rich companies but thats not really true either. I bet many small businesses have been closed completely by frivolous law suits. How many lives does that destroy? I'd just like to see people own up to their own mistakes. If I go and buy a satay (is that what you'se call them? Bit of meat on a pointy stick.) and poke my own eye out eating it, is it the shops fault, or mine? I say it would be mine and thats how I think. Was it Nintendos or the hotels fault when the kid died with the gameboy? Again I've not heard anymore perticulars but it seems like it was just a accident and maybe the wrong voltage adapter or something. And now to close I'm going to quote myself from earlier..........



    If you're driving along and the brakes fail in your new car and you run off the road, thats their fault. If you're driving along at 90 MPH and you run off the road, thats YOUR fault.


    Its just common sense.

  • especensor

    Posted Jan 17, 2007 1:16 am PT

    this ain't really wii's fault. i mean, it could've been a contest to win a PS3 and the same thing mighta happened...

    sad though. water intoxication. i wonder how common this stuff is.

  • BrideInDream

    Posted Jan 17, 2007 12:18 am PT

    Wii is a killing machine =D

  • cckcmain

    Posted Jan 16, 2007 11:57 pm PT

    Bathyj, when you brought up the coffee incident you lost all credibility with me. I know there are people out there that do stupid things and make stupid lawsuits. This poor mom just wanted to get a Wii for her kids, and IMO, she should've been advised of the risks before playing this game. Absolutely the radio station should be held accountable, unless she signed some type of waiver.

    Get your facts straight about the coffee case, for those of you that will read it:

    Liebeck was taken to the hospital, where it was determined that she had suffered third-degree burns on six percent of her skin and lesser burns over sixteen percent. She remained in the hospital for eight days while she underwent skin grafting. Two years of treatment followed.

    Liebeck sought to settle with McDonald's for US$20,000 to cover her medical costs, which were $11,000, but the company offered only $800. When McDonald's refused to raise its offer, Liebeck obtained Texas attorney Reed Morgan. Morgan filed suit in a New Mexico District Court accusing McDonald's of "gross negligence" for selling coffee that was "unreasonably dangerous" and "defectively manufactured."

    During the case, Liebeck's attorney's discovered that McDonald's required franchises to serve coffee at 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit (82-88 degrees Celsius). At that temperature, the coffee would cause a third-degree burn in two to seven seconds. Stella Liebeck's attorney argued that coffee should never be served hotter than 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius), and that a number of other establishments served coffee at a substantially lower temperature than McDonald's.

  • mirricat45

    Posted Jan 16, 2007 11:39 pm PT

    The sad thing is this woman probably did the contest to win the Wii for her children.

    God Bless.

  • mattxavier

    Posted Jan 16, 2007 11:37 pm PT

    SO SAD.

  • deadlois

    Posted Jan 16, 2007 11:30 pm PT

    You would have to drink a ton of water in a short amount of time to get water intoxication, like 3 liters in one sitting, and it has nothing with quality of water. It is just due to consuming more water than you can expel, like not urinating! Not worth it for a Wii, if you ask me!

  • boba_fett300

    Posted Jan 16, 2007 11:12 pm PT

    Yes its sad that she died, but you people must understand that it's also stupid. I even asked other kids at school would they had done it if it means to damage your bladder and most said no. So I dont understand why a 28yrs old woman would still do it. Radio station + people thought of contest + People in contest = Very Stupid. She should had just waited when theres more wiis or if you dont have $ then dont get it cause kids will want more games which cost more $.

  • Grandhand

    Posted Jan 16, 2007 11:09 pm PT

    This is nintendo's revenge to everyone who uses the wee/wii pun.

  • matrixman2k

    Posted Jan 16, 2007 10:37 pm PT

    The water quality was probably poor or sabotaged or something.

    I do this all the time when driving long journeys up and down the country and i never have any problems. Maybe the women had some sort of illness or undiagnosed condition relating to that system.

    For now i'd go with the water being dodgy...probably...hmmm.

  • leapfrog91

    Posted Jan 16, 2007 10:23 pm PT

    Bathyj,

    "You can probably tell personal resposibility (or lack of it) is a bit of a pet peeve of mine."

    I am not gonna read through all these posts to really figure out your point, but if you are seriously saying it is this woman's own fault that she died, you are one cold hearted s.o.b. A mother of three is dead. Have you not sat down ever to think about what that means? God, I can't imagine someone I love taking part in some stupid irresponsible radio contest and losing her life because of it. Not a limb; not her life savings; her _life._ This story is just horrible.

  • TechDragon

    Posted Jan 16, 2007 10:18 pm PT

    a moment of silence

  • videogamr49

    Posted Jan 16, 2007 9:54 pm PT

    What a dumb competition, that's like playing Russian Roulette and winning a Nintendo Wii if you survive.

  • thestickman

    Posted Jan 16, 2007 9:41 pm PT

    "If Nintendo had put out more consoles in stores, people wouldn't have to resort to doing crazy things to get a Wii, and tragedies like this would never happen. "

    If radio stations didn't sponsor retarded competitions like that, tragedies like this would never happen...

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