A mother tragically lost her life due to electrocution while using her phone in the bathtub.
On October 30, 2024, Ann-Marie O’Gorman was at her residence in Dublin, Ireland, when the incident occurred.
Ann-Marie was using her mobile phone in the bath while it was plugged in and charging.
This resulted in her being electrocuted, and she was subsequently declared dead at Beaumont Hospital.
During an inquest held on Tuesday, September 30, her husband, Joe O’Gorman, recounted the events of that fateful day, including how he discovered his wife in the bathtub.
Joe mentioned that he had spoken to Ann-Marie on the phone at about 7:58 pm, and he believes she was already in the bath at that time.
Upon arriving home, he went to speak to her in the bathroom and found her unresponsive.
It was then Joe noticed both her cellphone and its charging cable submerged in the water.
As he pulled her from the bath, he received a minor shock.
Joe lifted Ann-Marie out and performed CPR while their eldest daughter called for emergency services.
Joe speculates that wearing flip-flops at the time prevented him from being more seriously injured.
While administering CPR, he observed marks on Ann-Marie’s hands and chest, according to Mail Online.
Although Ann-Marie had Von Willebrand disease and Graves’ disease, she was described as ‘fit and healthy’ and was a regular gym enthusiast.
State pathologist Heidi Okkers, who conducted the postmortem, concluded that Ann-Marie’s preexisting medical conditions did not play a role in her death. There were no traces of drugs or alcohol in her system.
Her death was confirmed as due to electrocution, with burns on her chest and left arm caused by the charging cable and phone in the bath.
Her grieving husband is advocating for greater awareness about the dangers of using electronic devices near water.
“The only thing you hear about is how these phones are great in up to six feet of water. It gives people the idea that you can have your phone near water,” Joe stated during the inquest.
“There should be warnings that this is dangerous.”
He added, “There’s nothing being done about this whatsoever by any provider to say this is a hazard you could die from. That is all that people have to know.”
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell at (734) 975-0238 or email [email protected].