Tragedy in Santry Home
A mother-of-three died after being electrocuted when her charging phone came into contact with water while she was in the bath.
Victim Identified
Ann-Marie O’Gorman, 47, from Shanliss Avenue, Santry, Co Dublin, was found unresponsive in her bathroom by her husband Joe in October last year.
Fatal Injuries Confirmed
The inquest at Dublin Coroner’s Court heard she suffered severe electrocution-type burns to her chest and left arm. Pathologist Dr Heidi Okkers described her death as a “horrendous tragedy”.
Pronounced Dead at Hospital
Ann-Marie was later taken to Beaumont Hospital where she was officially pronounced dead on the same evening.
Husband Raised Alarm
Her husband Joe told the court he had left the family home with their youngest daughter Megan at 6.40pm, returning just before 8pm.
Shocking Discovery
After trying to call his wife on the way home, Joe entered the bathroom and found her lying on her side in the bath, unresponsive. Her phone and charging cable were also in the water.
Electric Shock on Rescue Attempt
As he attempted to lift her out, Joe said he felt a small electric shock himself, which alerted him to the danger.
Scene Examination
Forensic engineer Paul Collins, who later inspected the bathroom, said the charging cable was just long enough to allow the device to be held while in the bath.
How the Tragedy Happened
He explained that he believed the phone had fallen into the water, and when Ann-Marie tried to retrieve it, her hand came into contact with a metal shower attachment. This created a circuit for electricity to pass through her body.
Expert’s Remark
Mr Collins told the court: “Strange to say it, but if she had not lifted her hand out of the bath, she might still be alive.”
Misleading Perception of Safety
He criticised mobile phone manufacturers, noting that advertising about devices being “water resistant” may have given the false impression they are safe near water.
Need for Clear Warnings
“There should be clear warnings,” he said. “This is a hazard that can kill. Yet nothing is being done by providers to highlight this danger.”
Husband’s First Reaction
Joe initially thought his wife had simply fallen asleep in the bath. But on spotting the phone in the water, he immediately realised what had occurred.
Injuries Detailed
Medical reports confirmed Ann-Marie suffered electrocution burns to her chest and left arm, along with full-thickness burns to her right index finger and thumb.
Cause of Death Confirmed
Pathologist Dr Okkers confirmed the death was caused by electrocution involving a charging cable and mobile phone in the bath. She noted Ann-Marie did not drown, as no water was found in her lungs.
Husband’s Warning to Public
Speaking after the hearing, Joe said phone companies were promoting a “false illusion of safety” with their waterproof claims.
No Safety Labelling
He pointed out that there were no explicit warnings on iPhones or other devices about the risk of using them near water while charging.
False Sense of Security
“People think their phones are safe because they’re told they can survive underwater,” he said. “But that only applies when they’re not connected to a live cable.”
Preventable Accident
Mr Collins said more needed to be done to raise awareness, as the tragedy highlighted how everyday actions could become deadly.
Call for Stronger Safety Messages
The court heard that clearer labelling and warnings could prevent similar accidents and save lives in the future.
Coroner’s Conclusion
The coroner recorded the death as accidental, and expressed condolences to the family while echoing the need for stronger public safety awareness.
Community in Shock
The Santry community has been left devastated by the loss of Ann-Marie, remembered as a loving wife and mother.
M10News Crime Desk | Contact: crime@m10news.com
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