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Man collapsed and died of water overdose after drinking five times recommended intake


A middle-aged man died from drinking vast amounts of cold water to relieve pain from gum disease, an inquest heard.

Andrew Thornton, 44, dangerously 'overloaded' his body on water after drinking 10 litres in eight hours on the day he died.


He had also been drinking at a similar rate for the previous two days as it helped to numb his mouth. The divorcee thought he was being sensible by refusing to take painkillers and had no idea he was risking his life by drinking excessively. He was taken to hospital last December after collapsing at home and doctors initially thought he was drunk on alcohol because he was staggering and slurring his words.

In reality the symptoms were caused by the excess water causing swelling in the brain. Doctors put salt back into his body in an attempt to counter the effects of his huge water intake, but the following day he suffered a fatal heart attack.

Pathologist Dr Alan Padwell told the Halifax inquest: 'He claimed drinking water relieved the problems with gum trouble, though he vomited a lot afterwards.

'He had been drinking an awful lot of water and vomiting. He had overloaded with water. Your body tells you how much you need. Eat and drink normally and your body will regulate itself.'

Coroner Mark Hinchliffe recorded a verdict of death by misadventure and concluded Mr Thornton died of a heart attack triggered by overconsumption of water.