A tragic incident occurred in Dublin, as a mother of three lost her life due to an unfortunate accident involving her phone while she was in the bath with it plugged in. Joe O’Gorman, the husband of the deceased, is advocating for more explicit cautionary labels on electronic gadgets following the demise of his wife, Ann-Marie O’Gorman, aged 46.
During the inquest held at the Dublin District Coroner’s Court, Joe expressed concerns about the false sense of security created by phone manufacturers promoting water-resistant features. He discovered his wife unresponsive in their home’s en-suite bathroom on October 30, 2024. Despite efforts to revive her, she could not be saved.
The court heard that Joe found his wife in the bath shortly after returning home from dropping off their daughter. Upon noticing her iPhone and cable in the water, he quickly reacted by removing them and seeking emergency assistance. Despite Ann-Marie’s pre-existing health conditions, she maintained an active lifestyle.
The medical examination revealed electrocution burns on the victim’s body, with the pathologist confirming the cause of death as electrocution by the charging cable and phone in the bath. A forensic engineer highlighted the dangers posed by mobile phones in wet environments and emphasized the need for caution in handling electronic devices near water.
The tragic incident underscores the importance of raising awareness about the risks associated with using electronic devices near water sources. Authorities are considering measures to address the concerns raised during the inquest to prevent similar accidents in the future. The coroner extended condolences to the O’Gorman family, acknowledging the devastating nature of the incident.