Stupid human tricks

[unixronin]

Mother-of-three Jennifer Strange, 28, died on Friday after consuming more than a half gallon (two liters) of water in the "Hold Your Wee for a Wii" contest organised by KDND 107.9 radio in Sacramento, northern California.

Assisted Darwinism?  I'm guessing it had never occurred to the radio station staff that their stunt might not be safe.  After all, it's only water, right?

Comments

[ithildae.livejournal.com]

Di-hydrogen monoxide is very much unsafe.

[genuine-snark.livejournal.com]

In the article that got linked to Slashdot, it was mentioned that a nurse called after the stunt was announced (while it was going?) and informed the DJs of water intoxication. They blew her off.

If they'd just used Gatorade or similar, it wouldn't have been an issue.

I don't count this as Darwin. Most people have no clue about water intoxication. It's just simple ignorance. The radio station, IMO, should get the living hell sued out of them--they were the ones who should have done due diligence.

I do count it as an utter tragedy. Also quoted in the other story, she told one of the co-contestants that she was just there trying to get a Wii for her kids. She died from taking part in a "wacky" competition over a $250 toy. Not worth it.

[unixronin.livejournal.com]

No argument there. Hell of a Christmas present.

[yndy.livejournal.com]

a nurse called after the stunt was announced (while it was going?) and informed the DJs of water intoxication. They blew her off.

Well that will make for a slam-dunk on the wrongful death civil suit, eh?

What morons.

[jilara.livejournal.com]

I remember arguing water intoxication with someone who was trying to tell Civil War reenactors to drink lots of water but not Gatorade, because "it's designed for people doing serious physical activity in heat, not what we do." (Um, say what?) She didn't believe me when I told her that excess amounts of plain water could be seriously harmful. (No, I didn't learn a thing in physiology class, nope. After all, she portrayed a Civil War nurse, so that should count for something.)

[yndy.livejournal.com]

I think most people are ignorant to the existence of 'water intoxication' - but what kind of stupidity was that?!?!