A tragic incident occurred as a mother of three passed away after using her phone in the bathtub while it was connected to the electrical outlet.

Joe O’Gorman is advocating for clearer cautionary labels on electronic gadgets following the death of his wife, Ann-Marie O’Gorman, 46, who used the plugged-in device in the water at their residence in Santry, Dublin.

During the inquest at Dublin District Coroner’s Court, Joe highlighted how people have become overly confident due to companies like Apple promoting their devices as water-resistant, leading to a false sense of security.

Joe discovered his wife unresponsive in the bathroom of their home on October 30, 2024. Despite immediate medical attention, she could not be revived.

The court learned that Joe, while out dropping off their daughter, had a brief phone call with his wife, suspecting she might have been in the bath at the time. Upon returning home, he found her in the bathtub and promptly took action.

Noticing his wife’s iPhone and a cable in the water, Joe removed them and initiated CPR, noticing peculiar marks on her hands and chest. Despite her underlying health conditions, she was considered physically active and healthy.

Joe emphasized the absence of warnings on iPhone packaging regarding water exposure during charging, citing similar incidents worldwide.

He urged for clearer warnings on electronic devices to prevent similar tragedies, stressing the risks associated with using phones near water, especially during charging.

Medical professionals detailed the electrocution-related injuries and confirmed the cause of death as electrocution by a charging cable and phone while in the bath, emphasizing the lethal potential of low-voltage currents.

Experts highlighted the dangers of mixing electrical devices with water and recommended keeping phones away from bathrooms to prevent accidents, emphasizing the need for public awareness and safety precautions.

The coroner acknowledged the risks associated with using mobile phones in baths and extended condolences to the family, underscoring the importance of caution in using electronic devices in wet environments.