The family of a California woman who died after participating in a radio station's water-drinking contest to win a Nintendo Wii will sue the station, their lawyer said on Thursday.

Jennifer Strange, 28, a mother of three, died from suspected water intoxication after taking part in last Friday's competition, 'Hold Your Wee for a Wii'. About 20 people tried to out-drink each other without going to the toilet.

Sacramento station KDND-FM responded by sacking ten members of staff, including several DJs, and cancelling the 'Morning Rave' programme. The DJs had joked about people dying from water intoxication and teased Strange about her distended stomach.

"The station knew this was a dangerous and potentially deadly stunt, but flippantly dismissed the dangers," lawyer Roger Dreyer said in a statement. "Hearing the tape [of the radio show], it's very clear they knew of the dangers and could foresee that this could lead to Jennifer's death."

The station could not be reached for comment because its phone number was continuously engaged on Thursday evening.

Police are also investigating the death for possible criminal charges.

An excess of water in the body can lead to the dilution of vital fluids. That in turn can lead to swelling of the brain, seizures, comas, an irregular heartbeat and in some cases death.