Dublin Woman Fatally Electrocuted in Bath with Charging Phone

UPDATE: A Dublin woman tragically died from electrocution while using a charging mobile phone in her bathtub on October 30, 2024. The inquest into Ann-Marie O’Gorman‘s death has sparked urgent calls for prominent safety warnings on electronic devices about the dangers of using them near water.

Ann-Marie, aged 46 and a mother of three, was found unresponsive in her bathroom by her husband, Joe O’Gorman, shortly after he left to take their youngest daughter to a school event. The couple had a brief call at 7:58 PM, during which Joe believed Ann-Marie was already in the bath. He returned home to discover her lying motionless in the tub, with her iPhone and charging cable submerged in the water.

Joe O’Gorman described the moment he found his wife, noting, “I saw her iPhone in the bath,” and immediately recognized the danger. He suffered a small electric shock while attempting to lift her from the water before calling emergency services. Unfortunately, despite rapid medical response, Ann-Marie was pronounced dead at Beaumont Hospital.

The inquest revealed critical details about the circumstances of her death. State pathologist Heidi Okkers confirmed that Ann-Marie had electrocution burns on her body. “Water is an excellent conductor of electricity,” she stated, attributing the cause of death directly to the charging device.

Joe O’Gorman expressed deep concern about the lack of warnings on devices like iPhones, stating, “There is nothing being done about this whatsoever by any provider.” He highlighted the misleading safety claims made by manufacturers regarding water resistance. He recalled other tragic incidents, including a similar case in London in 2017 and the death of a child in the US due to a charging phone in a bath.

In response to the inquest, coroner Cróna Gallagher indicated that the issue extends beyond Apple, as electronic devices are commonly used in bathrooms. She emphasized the need for increased awareness surrounding the hazards of electronics and water.

A forensic engineer who examined the scene, Paul Collins, explained that even low voltage currents could be lethal. He warned, “Leave it on a dressing table. It doesn’t matter if it’s being charged or not.” He confirmed that the charging cable was positioned in such a way that it allowed Ann-Marie to inadvertently drop the phone into the water.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene at 8:38 PM, but tragically, Ann-Marie never regained consciousness. The paramedic stated that the woman did not respond to treatment, including a defibrillator shock.

The coroner delivered a verdict of death by misadventure, highlighting the serious risks associated with using mobile phones in bathrooms. “This is a horrendous tragedy,” she remarked, offering her condolences to the family.

The inquest’s revelations have ignited a conversation about the need for clearer warnings on electronic devices. Joe O’Gorman’s heartfelt plea is for manufacturers to acknowledge the dangers and help prevent future tragedies. “This is dangerous,” he said. “That is all that people have to know.”

As the community mourns this devastating loss, the call for action on safety measures grows louder. Authorities and manufacturers face pressure to reassess safety protocols for electronics used near water.

Stay informed on this developing story as more updates emerge.