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'E.R.' Producer Bases Series Finale on Family Tragedy
April 7, 2009

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News Summary

John Wells, executive producer of the long-running television drama "E.R." incorporated the alcohol-poisoning death of his 17-year-old niece into the series finale, Fox News reported April 2.

In the final episode, "And in the End, Part 1&2," which aired April 2, 2009, a doctor treats a young teenager admitted for alcohol poisoning after playing drinking games with friends.

Wells' niece, Shelby Lyn Allen, died after drinking with two other teenagers at a friend's home and drinking just 8 ounces of vodka. Though her friends propped Shelby up in a bathroom to keep her from choking, Shelby's friends found her dead the next morning.

"What seems like teenage fun can actually be warning signs for a significantly dangerous medical situation," Wells said.

Shelby's parents have started Shelby's Rules, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about alcohol poisoning.

"We're just trying to make young people, teenagers -- really, anyone -- understand that they may be used to seeing someone throwing up at a party, but they need to be aware that if you can't rouse them, they may have crossed that line into a medical emergency," said Shelby's father, Steve Allen.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by K-Kentucky on 08 Apr 09 08:12 AM EDT
Although I am saddened by the death of a young person like Shelby, I admire her parents for allowing something positive to come from it.

Posted by Dmac on 08 Apr 09 10:14 AM EDT
Great educational piece for all parents! Was impressed to see this scene in ER...just sorry it took a tragety to get the topic airtime.

Posted by walter 103 on 08 Apr 09 12:52 PM EDT
lets get real here, drug deaths 10,000 a year alcohol deaths over 95,000 get the politicians to pull their heads out of their butts. underage drinking, sue the companies for child abuse. that will get the attention that it deserves.

Posted by DBH on 08 Apr 09 02:28 PM EDT
I am substance abuse prevention specialist and came home to watch ER (loyal fan)after conducting a community presentation on youth alcohol and substance abuse. I hope that the many people who were not able to make my presentation got the same message by watching ER: IT IS NOT OK FOR ADULTS TO PERMIT YOUTH TO DRINK ALCOHOL!

Posted by D from San Diego on 08 Apr 09 04:51 PM EDT
Whether or not a child is drinking at home doesn't give the parents a right to give any child alcohol. The brain is not fully developed. Hello, that's why teenagers can't make right choices sometimes. It's up to Parents to make choices for them. Don't be a stupid adult!!

Posted by Elaine on 13 Apr 09 10:07 AM EDT
Utah just passed a new Social Host law to assist in sending the message that its not okay for adults to permit youth to drink alcohol. I wonder if NBC would be willing to provide copies of the scene to help in community presentations. The personal story adds even more to the power of the piece.

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