Yes, you can die from an asthma attack.

More Info: According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, each day 11 people die from asthma equating to more than 4000 deaths each year.  The foundation goes on to cite other staggering statistics that occur daily with asthmatics including the fact that 30,000 people have an asthma attack each day;  40,000 people miss work or school; 5,000 people visit the emergency room every day due to asthma with 1,000 people being admitted.

Asthma Facts and Figures Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

What to Do During an Asthma Attack

An asthma attack occurs when the muscles around the airways tighten up and the lining of the lungs and the bronchial tubes swells. The amount of air that the affected person can move in or out of the lungs is greatly reduced.

If someone is having an asthma attack, it's important to find out if they have a short-acting inhaler, like albuterol, with them. This medication quickly reduces the inflammation in the lungs, allowing them to breathe again. If the inhaler is not effective or the person doesn't have one, call 911 or take the person to the nearest emergency room immediately. Asthma attacks can be deadly.