A tragic incident has occurred where a mother of three lost her life after using her phone while it was connected to a power source in the bath. Joe O’Gorman, the husband of the deceased, is advocating for clearer warning labels on electronic devices following the unfortunate death of his wife, Ann-Marie O’Gorman, 46, who used the plugged-in device in the bath at their residence in Santry, Dublin.
During an inquest at Dublin District Coroner’s Court, Joe expressed concerns about the false sense of security created by phone companies advertising their devices as waterproof. He discovered his wife unresponsive in the bathroom of their home on October 30, 2024, and despite efforts by paramedics, she could not be revived.
Joe recounted that he found his wife in the bath after returning home from dropping their daughter at an event. Realizing the potential danger, he removed the phone and cable from the water, experiencing a minor electric shock in the process. Despite Ann-Marie’s underlying health conditions, she was considered healthy and physically active.
The tragic incident shed light on the risks associated with using electronic devices near water, prompting calls for prominent warnings on device packaging. Experts confirmed that electrocution from the charging cable and phone caused the fatal outcome, emphasizing the dangers of mixing electricity and water.
The coroner acknowledged the risks highlighted during the inquest, offering condolences to the family for the devastating loss. The incident serves as a reminder of the hazards posed by using electronic devices in proximity to water, urging caution and awareness to prevent similar tragedies.