A mother from Dublin tragically dies after being electrocuted while using her phone in the bath. Her husband calls for more warnings about the dangers of using devices near water.
A tragic incident has occurred in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, where a 46-year-old mother, Ann-Marie O’Gorman, died after being electrocuted while using her phone in the bath. The heartbreaking incident took place on October 30, 2024, and has raised serious concerns about the safety risks of using electronic devices near water.
The Incident and Cause of Death
Ann-Marie was using her phone while it was charging in the bath when she suffered a fatal electrocution. Her husband, Joe O’Gorman, recalled speaking to Ann-Marie on the phone at approximately 7:58 pm on the day of her death, likely while she was already in the bath. When Joe arrived home, he found his wife unresponsive in the bathroom, with her cellphone and charging cable submerged in the water.
Upon pulling her from the bath, Joe felt a small shock. He immediately began CPR while their eldest daughter called for an ambulance. Joe later believed he wasn’t more seriously injured because he had been wearing flip-flops at the time.
Health Condition and Postmortem Findings
Ann-Marie had pre-existing medical conditions, including Von Willebrand disease and Graves’ disease, but was otherwise described as fit and healthy, regularly attending the gym. The state pathologist, Heidi Okkers, conducted Ann-Marie’s postmortem examination and confirmed that her conditions were not contributing factors to her death. There were no drugs or alcohol in her system at the time of the incident.
The pathologist confirmed that electrocution-type burns were found on Ann-Marie’s chest and left arm, and her cause of death was ruled as electrocution caused by the charging phone and cable in the bath.
Joe O’Gorman Calls for Stronger Warnings on Phone Use Near Water
During the inquest into his wife’s death on September 30, Joe O’Gorman expressed his grief and concern about the lack of warnings regarding the use of electronic devices near water. He highlighted how phone manufacturers often promote their devices as water-resistant, with claims of phones being “waterproof” in up to six feet of water. Joe believes this misleading information leads people to believe it is safe to use devices near water, not realizing the potential danger of electrocution.
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Joe said:
“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. There should be warnings that this is dangerous.”
He continued:
“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.”
The Dangers of Using Phones in the Bath
This tragic accident serves as a reminder of the hidden dangers associated with using electronic devices near water, particularly in the bath or shower. Despite manufacturers’ claims of water resistance, the risks of electrocution when using devices plugged into a charging cable remain a significant safety concern.
