American Mother-of-Two Dies from Water Toxicity
Ashley Summers, a 35-year-old mother of two, tragically lost her life after consuming an excessive amount of water in a short period. During a leisurely day at Lake Freeman over the long Fourth of July weekend, she drank approximately 64 ounces (about four 16oz bottles) of water in just 20 minutes.
Despite feeling lightheaded and having a headache – classic symptoms of dehydration – Ashley’s thirst seemed unquenchable. Upon returning home, she collapsed in her garage, and her condition rapidly deteriorated due to severe brain swelling.
At the hospital, doctors diagnosed her with water toxicity, medically known as hyponatremia, which occurs when there is an imbalance of water and sodium in the body.
Ashley’s family was shocked and devastated by her sudden condition. Her brother, Devon Miller, described how she felt like she couldn’t get enough water and consumed four bottles in just 20 minutes during a boat ride.
The family’s trip to Lake Freeman, a popular summer destination in Indiana, took a tragic turn on Tuesday morning when Ashley started feeling dehydrated and could not satiate her thirst.
After collapsing, Ashley was rushed to Indiana University Health Arnett Hospital, but she never regained consciousness. Doctors confirmed the diagnosis of water poisoning, and despite their efforts, the outcome was heartbreaking.
This unfortunate incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of staying hydrated while being mindful of excessive water consumption, as water toxicity can have severe consequences on health.