safety
82-year-old woman suffers third-degree burns after falling asleep at pool
By Mickaela Castillo, Jordan Gartner at KGNS — Sitewide
· 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 Laredo News
In Laredo , where summer temperatures often reach extreme highs, the story of Betty Lou Summer serves as a stark warning about the dangers of heat exposure. As a community that experiences similar scorching summers, Laredo residents should take heed of the precautions recommended by Valleywise Burn Center, such as wearing skin protection and limiting time outdoors. The fact that older adults are at greater risk of significant burns is particularly relevant in a city like Laredo, where many residents may have family members or neighbors who fall into this vulnerable category. By being mindful of the heat and taking steps to protect themselves and their loved ones, Laredo residents can help prevent similar tragedies from occurring in their own community. The Summer family's experience is a sobering reminder of the importance of heat safety, and one that Laredo residents would do well to remember as they navigate the city's sweltering summers.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News 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 KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
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 KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mickaela Castillo, Jordan Gartner at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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