Family members of Ashley Summers are raising awareness about the dangers of water toxicity.
On the Fourth of July, she went to Lake Freeman with her family. According to her brother, Devon Miller, Summers enjoyed being on the lake.
On Tuesday evening, Devon received a call from his sister, Holly, who said that something was not right.
She said that Ashley was in the hospital due to brain swelling. Miller noted that the doctors did not know what caused the issue.
Summers’ relatives stated that she felt weak and didn’t have enough water to drink. According to them, she consumed four water bottles in about 20 minutes. This is equivalent to around two liters of water.
After returning home, Ashley passed out in her garage. She was later pronounced dead at IU Health Arnett Hospital.
The doctors told her family that she died due to water toxicity. Miller said that they were shocked by the news.
Water toxicity is a type of illness that occurs when an individual consumes too much water in a short amount of time.
According to Dr. Blake Froberg of IU Health, the body does not have enough sodium to handle the excessive water consumption.
Although it’s rare for someone to die due to water toxicity, it’s important to keep hydrated during the summer season.
Froberg said that drinking water with a high concentration of sodium and electrolytes is the best way to prevent this issue.
Summers was an organ donor, and she was able to save five lives. She was able to donate her liver, kidney, heart, and lungs.