Family of mother who died after drinking seven litres of water in radio contest for Nintendo Wii awarded £10m



The family of a woman who died after drinking seven litres of water in a radio contest have won £10million compensation.

Mother of three Jennifer Strange died of acute water intoxication in January 2007 after the challenge to see which contestant could drink the most water without going to the toilet.

Ms Strange is believed to have drunk nearly 7.5 litres trying to win a Nintendo Wii video game system.

Tragic: Jennifer Strange died after drinking seven litres of water trying to win a Nintendo Wii video game system

A California jury decided that Entercom Sacramento, operator of KDNDFM radio, was liable for the 28-year-old's death after ignoring warnings, given during the contest by a show host and a listener, that it could have fatal consequences.

The station fired 10 employees after the death, but argued during the trial that Ms Strange should have known the contest could be dangerous.

Twenty people tried to drink the most without going to the lavatory in "Hold Your Wee for a Wii".

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.

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."

