safety
82-year-old woman suffers third-degree burns after falling asleep at pool
By Mickaela Castillo, Jordan Gartner at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· 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 Atlanta
While this incident occurred in Arizona, Atlanta 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 locals to be mindful of the risks associated with prolonged exposure to high temperatures. The fact that an hour-long nap in the sun can result in severe burns and life-threatening complications is a stark reminder of the importance of sun protection and vigilance. Atlantans should be aware of the potential hazards of outdoor activities, especially during peak sun hours, and take necessary precautions to prevent similar incidents. By sharing Summer's story, her family hopes to raise awareness about the dangers of extreme heat, a concern that is just as relevant in Atlanta's own summer climate.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta 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 Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
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 Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mickaela Castillo, Jordan Gartner at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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