A devastating accident in Dublin, Ireland, has sparked urgent public concern and renewed calls for stronger safety warnings about using electronic devices near water.

A 46-year-old mother of three, Ann-Marie O’Gorman, tragically lost her life after being electrocuted while using her cellphone in the bath — a heartbreaking incident that her grieving family hopes will serve as a warning to others.

A Routine Evening Turns Into Tragedy. The incident took place on the evening of October 30, 2024, at the O’Gorman family home.

According to details shared during a recent inquest held on September 30, 2025, Ann-Marie had been charging her phone while taking a bath.

She was using the device when it came into contact with water, causing a fatal electric shock.

Her husband, Joe O’Gorman, testified at the inquest, sharing the emotional timeline of that evening. He explained that he had spoken to his wife on the phone around 7:58 p.m., a call he now believes she answered while already in the bathtub. When he returned home later that evening and went to check on her, he discovered the horrifying scene: Ann-Marie was unresponsive in the tub, with her phone and charging cable submerged in the water.

In a desperate attempt to save her, Joe pulled her from the bath — but not before he himself received a minor electric shock. He believes the only thing that protected him from more serious injury was the fact that he was wearing rubber flip-flops, which insulated him from the full current.

Their eldest daughter immediately called emergency services while Joe began performing CPR in an effort to revive his wife. Emergency responders rushed Ann-Marie to Beaumont Hospital, but despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Medical Examination Confirms Cause of Death

The postmortem examination, conducted by Dr. Heidi Okkers, the state pathologist, confirmed the cause of death as electrocution. Her report noted burn marks on Ann-Marie’s chest and arm, which matched the position of the phone and charging cable during the incident.

Toxicology tests revealed that no alcohol or drugs were present in her system at the time of death. Although Ann-Marie had two pre-existing health conditions — Von Willebrand disease, a blood-clotting disorder, and Graves’ disease, a thyroid condition — the pathologist confirmed that neither played any role in her death.

Family and friends described Ann-Marie as healthy, active, and full of life. She regularly went to the gym and was known to live a fit and energetic lifestyle. Her sudden passing has left her family and local community in deep shock and mourning.

A Family’s Plea for Greater Awareness

Joe O’Gorman is now speaking out, hoping to prevent similar tragedies from happening to other families. In his testimony, he criticized the lack of adequate public warnings about the dangers of using charging devices near water — especially in an era where smartphones are often advertised as “water-resistant.”

“The only thing you ever hear about these phones is that they’re water-resistant up to a certain depth,” Joe said during the inquest. “That gives people the impression it’s safe to use them near water. But no one is being warned about the real danger.”

He continued, visibly emotional:

“There’s nothing being done to tell people this is a hazard that could cost you your life. That’s all we want — for people to understand the risk.”

The family’s message is simple but urgent: charging a phone while using it near water can be fatal, regardless of how water-resistant the device is. The term often refers to protection against splashes or brief immersion — not safe use while plugged in or charging.

A Hidden Hazard in Modern Homes

This tragedy underscores a deadly but often overlooked danger in many modern households. As smartphones, tablets, and other rechargeable devices become part of daily life — and often accompany people into kitchens, bathrooms, and even bathtubs — the risks increase.

Experts emphasize that water and electricity should never mix, and that charging electronic devices should only be done away from water sources. Even water-resistant devices can pose fatal risks when connected to power outlets.

Joe and his children are now committed to raising awareness about this issue in Ann-Marie’s memory. They hope that mobile phone manufacturers, tech companies, and public safety officials will do more to educate users, especially young people, about the real dangers of combining electricity and water.

A Life Remembered

Ann-Marie O’Gorman is remembered by those who knew her as a loving wife, devoted mother, and vibrant individual who touched many lives. Her sudden passing is a painful reminder that even the most ordinary moments — like relaxing in a bath — can turn deadly under the wrong circumstances.

As her family continues to grieve, they do so with purpose: to make sure her death was not in vain. By speaking out and sharing her story, they hope to save others from experiencing the same heartbreak.