A TOPICAL, OR SPORTS CREAM
CAUSE IN DEATH
OF 17 YEAR OLD TRACK STAR

Arielle Newman

AP Photo / Courtesy Newman Family and Staten Island Express

Arielle Newman, a cross country track athlete at Notre Dame Acadamy of Staten Island, died April 13, 2007 from over use of a sports cream to soothe her aching legs and joints. Apparently her body absorbed high levels of  methyl salicylate, an anti-inflammatory found in creams as Ben-#### and Icy Hot, the medical examiner said.

Arielle Newman, who had won a number of awards in her sport, had been to a party the previous night and upon returning home talked with her mother for a few hours.

All appeared normal until Arielle was found non responsive later.

A doctor at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Dr. Ronald Grelsamer, stated she either lathered herself with the oinment, used way too much or used the proper amount and for reasons unknown her body absorbed an abnormal amount of the chemical.

Deaths from the chemical are rare and this case is unusual. Absorption can be intensified if exercising in extreme heat.

Arielle's mother Alice Newman remains stunned that her daughter is dead from using an over the counter cream product. Ms. Newman stated " I am scrupulous about my children's health. I did not think an over the counter product could be unsafe."

A warning to some of us "old timer's" who sport around a bit more than we should thinking we can ease it all by use of this joint and muscle salve.