Home / Disasters and Accidents / Woman, 80, Fights for Life After Severe Sunburn
Woman, 80, Fights for Life After Severe Sunburn
25 Jun
Summary
- An 80-year-old woman suffered third-degree burns from sun exposure.
- She required surgery, skin grafts, and was placed on a ventilator.
- Her story serves as a warning about extreme summer heat dangers.
An 80-year-old woman from San Tan Valley, Arizona, is critically ill after sustaining severe burns from prolonged sun exposure. Betty Lou Summer fell asleep in a metal chair at a community pool, enduring temperatures of 105F. The incident on June 11 led to third-degree burns on extensive areas of her body, necessitating surgical debridement and skin graft procedures.
Initially believed to have second-degree burns, Summer's condition worsened, requiring her to be placed on a ventilator and subsequently suffering septic shock. She also experienced liver and kidney damage, leading to her transfer to Valleywise Burn Center in Phoenix. Her daughter, Michelle Gabbert, initiated a GoFundMe to cover mounting medical expenses.
As of June 18, Summer had been taken off the ventilator and dialysis, with no signs of brain damage. However, her age presents significant risks for infection and slow wound healing. Doctors emphasize that older adults and children are particularly vulnerable to severe burns during intense heat. The incident underscores the serious dangers of extreme summer temperatures, especially in regions like Arizona.
