Woman, 82, Has Third-Degree Burns After Falling Asleep by Pool. ‘She Will Not Go Down Without a Fight,’ Daughter Says

**Elderly Woman Critically Injured by Severe Burns After Pool Incident in Arizona**

An 82-year-old woman is currently fighting for her life following a shocking incident at a community pool in San Tan Valley, Arizona, where she suffered extensive third-degree burns. Betty-Lou Summer was in critical condition after falling asleep on a metal chair at the pool on 11 June, and her family is now warning others about the dangers of extreme summer heat.

Summer’s daughter, Michelle Gabbert, recounted the devastating event, stating that the burns affected the entire front of her mother’s body, reaching down to the muscle and bone. According to reports, the incident occurred shortly after Summer had arrived at the Johnson Ranch community pool wearing a wide-brimmed hat. She drifted off to sleep for roughly an hour, during which time the intense Arizona sun caused severe injuries.

Gabbert indicated that the quick intervention from other pool visitors likely saved her mother’s life. Paramedics were called when onlookers noticed Summer was unconscious, with Gabbert revealing that her mother’s core body temperature had exceeded 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) at the time of rescue.

In addition to her grievous burns, Summer has also experienced kidney and liver damage, making her recovery particularly complex. In light of her mother’s critical state, Gabbert initiated a verified GoFundMe campaign to help cover mounting medical and rehabilitation costs. In her first post on the fundraising page, she expressed her initial doubt about her mother’s chances of survival, but highlighted her mother’s resilience, stating, “anyone who knows my mom knows she is a tough old bird and will not go down without a fight.”

Subsequent updates on the campaign have revealed the extent of Summer’s injuries. Following an hours-long surgical debridement procedure at a specialised burn hospital, she underwent further treatment that included the installation of three wound vacuums. Gabbert commented on the severity of the injuries, noting that the damage was far worse than initially anticipated, necessitating the removal of skin and tissue.

While it has been reported that Summer is no longer reliant on a ventilator and dialysis, her road to recovery remains fraught with challenges. She is enduring significant pain and is at an increased risk for infections, with medical professionals predicting a lengthy stay in the burn ICU.

In her messages, Gabbert conveyed unshakeable faith in her mother’s ability to fight through this crisis. “Burn injuries are one of the worst things anyone can survive but we already know she is a fighter,” she assured supporters on the fundraising platform.

Gabbert, who works as an internal medicine doctor, expressed hope that her mother’s unfortunate experience would serve as an important warning regarding the hazardous effects of extreme summer heat. “I would have never in a million years imagined one of my family members having to go through this,” she shared in an interview.

As the recovery efforts continue, Gabbert remains determined to support her mother and bring awareness to the potential dangers of heat exposure, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly. Despite the dire circumstances, family and friends rally around Summer, offering their love and support in hopes of a full recovery.

The tragic incident underscores the urgent need for awareness about heat-related injuries during peak summer months, as people of all ages can be susceptible to the ill effects of excessive heat exposure. As Betty-Lou Summer continues her battle, her family hopes to reflect on this experience as a means of educating others and preventing similar tragedies in the future.

With support pouring in from the community, the recovery journey for Summer has only just begun, and her resilience is a testament to the human spirit in the face of adversity.