A husband grieving the loss of his wife issues a heartfelt cautionary statement following her tragic death from electrocution while using a charging mobile phone in the bath.
Ann-Marie O’Gorman, a mother of three, aged 46, was discovered unconscious by her husband in the family home’s en-suite bathroom in Dublin on October 30, 2024. Despite efforts, she was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
During an inquiry at the Dublin District Coroner’s Court, Joe O’Gorman recounted leaving home to accompany their daughter to an event and later finding his wife unresponsive in the bath upon his return. He recounted the distressing scene of discovering her motionless in the tub.
Mr. O’Gorman shared the moment he noticed the iPhone and charging cable in the bath and swiftly removed them to prevent further harm. While attempting to rescue his wife, he experienced a minor electric shock himself.
The inquest revealed that despite underlying health conditions, Ms. O’Gorman was considered physically fit. Her husband expressed frustration at the lack of warnings on electronic devices regarding water exposure risks, citing previous incidents globally.
Pathologist Dr. Heidi Okkers, who conducted the post-mortem examination, confirmed electrocution as the cause of death, emphasizing water’s conductivity. The investigation ruled out any device defects, attributing the tragedy to the interaction between the charging cable, phone, and water.
The coroner extended condolences to the family, acknowledging the incident as a profound tragedy. Mr. O’Gorman urged for clearer safety warnings on electronic products to prevent similar accidents, highlighting the critical need for public awareness on this issue.