safety
82-year-old woman suffers third-degree burns after falling asleep at pool
By Mickaela Castillo, Jordan Gartner at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 24, 2026
· 2 min read
SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) — An Arizona woman is fighting for her life after a quick nap while tanning turned into a life-threatening emergency.Betty Lou Summer was at the Johnson Ranch community pool on June 11. Her family said she was by the pool for about an hour, tanning on a meta...
Key takeaway Betty Lou Summer was at the Johnson Ranch community pool on June 11.
Why this matters in The Nashville
While this incident occurred in Arizona, Nashville residents should take heed of the dangers of heat-related injuries, particularly for older adults and children. As the city's summer months approach, it's crucial for community members to be mindful of the risks associated with prolonged exposure to high temperatures. The fact that an hour-long period of tanning could result in such severe burns and other complications is a stark reminder of the importance of sun protection and vigilance. In Nashville, where temperatures can often reach extreme highs during the summer, residents should take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones, especially when spending time outdoors. By being aware of the risks and taking simple steps to mitigate them, Nashvillians can help prevent similar tragedies from occurring in their own community.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) — An Arizona woman is fighting for her life after a quick nap while tanning turned into a life-threatening emergency.Betty Lou Summer was at the Johnson Ranch community pool on June 11. Her family said she was by the pool for about an hour, tanning on a meta...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mickaela Castillo, Jordan Gartner at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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