Urgent Warning After Dublin Woman Electrocuted in Bath with Phone

UPDATE: A Dublin woman tragically died after being fatally electrocuted while holding her charging mobile phone in the bathtub, sparking urgent calls for warning labels on electronic devices. The inquest into the death of Ann-Marie O’Gorman, aged 46, revealed shocking details about the incident that took place on October 30, 2024.

During the inquest, her husband, Joe O’Gorman, expressed his distress over the lack of safety warnings from mobile phone manufacturers, particularly Apple, which promotes its devices as waterproof. “People are lulled into a false illusion of safety,” he stated, emphasizing the need for clear alerts about the dangers of using electronics near water.

The inquest, held at the Dublin District Coroner’s Court on Tuesday, outlined how Joe left home at approximately 6:40 PM to drop their youngest daughter, Megan, at a local disco. After a brief call with Ann-Marie at 7:58 PM, he returned home to find her unresponsive in the bath. Despite efforts to revive her, including CPR, she was pronounced dead at Beaumont Hospital shortly after.

Joe O’Gorman described the horrifying moment he discovered his wife submerged in the water, with her iPhone and charging cable nearby. He recounted how he received a small electric shock while attempting to lift her out of the bath. “The only thing you hear about is how these phones are great in up to six feet of water,” he said, urging for prominent warnings on device packaging.

Medical experts confirmed that Ann-Marie sustained electrocution-type burns, and the cause of death was attributed to an electric shock from her charging phone. State pathologist Heidi Okkers emphasized that water is an excellent conductor of electricity, and even a low voltage, such as that from a phone charger, can be lethal.

A forensic engineer, Paul Collins, who examined the scene, noted that the charger was long enough for the phone to fall into the bath, leading to the tragic accident. “If she had not taken her hand out of the bath, she would probably still be alive,” Collins stated. He highlighted the critical need for safety measures regarding electronic devices in bathrooms.

In light of this incident, Coroner Cróna Gallagher indicated the necessity of addressing safety concerns regarding electronic devices in bathrooms, recognizing that this is a growing issue as usage increases. She will consider notifying relevant parties about these dangers.

The inquest concluded with a verdict of death by misadventure, as Gallagher extended her condolences to Ann-Marie’s family. This devastating event has sparked a renewed focus on safety standards for electronic devices, emphasizing that charging phones in bathrooms can be deadly.

This tragic case serves as a crucial reminder for everyone: keep electronics away from water to avoid potentially fatal accidents. Share this important message to help save lives.