Muscle Cream Causes Female Runner's Death

The use of too much anti-inflammatory muscle cream is the culprit in the death of a New York teen track star.

Arielle Newman, a cross-country runner at Notre Dame Academy in New York died after her body absorbed high levels of the chemical, methyl salicylate, which is an anti-inflammatory that is found in products such as Bengay and Icy Hot, used for aching muscles.

Ellen Borakove, the medical examiner's spokeswoman, stated that it was the first time that her office had reported a death resulting from using sports cream.

Newman was apparently using three different products containing the chemical between track meets and the complications arose from extended use over time rather than just one instance of using the creams, adhesive pads, etc.

Deaths from the chemical are very rare as methyl salicylate poisoning is very unusual.

Arielle's mother was reportedly very shocked to learn that an over the counter product could be dangerous enough to kill her daughter.

Dr. Ronald Grelsamer, of Mount Sinai Medical Center, said Newman had a very abnormal amount of methyl salicylate in her body.

"She either lathered herself with it, or used way too much, or she used a normal amount and an abnormal percentage was absorbed into her body," he said. (Associated Press).

After initially finding her daughter dead in bed, it was assumed that her death could have been linked to drugs or alcohol abuse because she had attended a large party called "Night of Mayhem" in Staten Island. The party and her death started a public discussion on how bored Staten Island teens with nothing to do will often seek drugs and alcohol as a refuge.

The cause of Newman's death will certainly stir up the athletic community, with many Staten Island coaches reportedly saying that they will no longer allow their athletes to use to the balms and creams. Other articles examine a culture where sports and the desire for college scholarships are so competitive that young athletes are doing whatever it takes to get an edge and often pushing themselves through pain in an attempt to have an advantage over their peers. With tuition so high, is this just the beginning?