A Dublin mother-of-three has died in heartbreaking circumstances after being electrocuted while using her phone in the bath.

The Tragic Incident

On October 30, 2024, Ann-Marie O’Gorman, 46, was at her home in Dublin, Ireland, when the tragic accident occurred.

Ann-Marie was using her cellphone while it was plugged in to charge, and at some point, the device and charging cable slipped into the water. She was found unresponsive in the bathtub and later pronounced dead at Beaumont Hospital.

Husband’s Heartbreaking Discovery

At an inquest held on September 30, 2025, Ann-Marie’s husband, Joe O’Gorman, recalled speaking to her on the phone around 7:58 p.m. that evening, a time when he believes she was already in the bath.

When Joe returned home, he went to check on his wife and made the devastating discovery.

“I found her unresponsive in the bath with the phone and charger in the water,” he told the inquest.

Joe said that when he tried to lift her out, he received a small electric shock, which he believes was minimized because he happened to be wearing flip-flops. He then performed CPR while their eldest daughter called emergency services.

Sadly, Ann-Marie could not be revived.

It’s not uncommon for people to take their devices into the bathroom with them (Getty Stock)

Medical Findings

State pathologist Heidi Okkers confirmed that Ann-Marie had electrocution burns on her chest and left arm, consistent with contact between her body, the charging cable, and the water.

Although Ann-Marie had Von Willebrand disease and Graves’ disease, neither condition contributed to her death. Toxicology results also confirmed there were no drugs or alcohol in her system.

Her official cause of death was ruled as electrocution.

“There Should Be Warnings”

In his testimony, Joe called for clearer warnings about the dangers of charging phones near water.

“The only thing you hear about is how these phones are great in up to six feet of water. It gives people the idea you can have your phone near water,” Joe said.

“There should be warnings that this is dangerous. There’s nothing being done to say this is a hazard you could die from. That is all people need to know.”

Remembering Ann-Marie

Ann-Marie was remembered as a fit and healthy woman, a regular gym-goer, and a devoted mother to three children.

She was just 46 years old.

⚠️ Safety Reminder: Smartphones may be marketed as water-resistant, but using them while plugged in and charging near water can be fatal. Always unplug devices before bringing them into bathrooms or pools.

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