What began as a quiet evening at home in Dublin, Ireland, ended in tragedy for the O’Gorman family. Ann-Marie O’Gorman, a 46-year-old mother of three, was relaxing when an everyday habit turned unexpectedly dangerous. Like many people, she had taken her phone with her to the bath, unaware that this common routine could pose serious risks when water and electricity come too close together.
On October 30, 2024, Ann-Marie’s husband, Joe, returned home and discovered something was wrong. Emergency services were called immediately, but despite efforts to revive her, she was later pronounced deceased at Beaumont Hospital. The incident left her family and community in shock, sparking an inquest to better understand what had happened.
Medical experts confirmed the cause as accidental electrocution linked to a charging device near water. They emphasized that while many modern phones are labeled as water-resistant, the risk comes from using chargers or plugged-in devices in wet environments. Ann-Marie’s husband later spoke out, sharing his family’s experience in hopes of raising awareness about this overlooked danger.
In the aftermath, Joe has urged manufacturers and safety agencies to highlight clearer warnings so that others do not face similar circumstances. The tragedy has since become a sobering reminder of how small precautions — such as keeping electrical items away from water — can prevent accidents. Ann-Marie’s story continues to resonate, serving as a call for greater awareness in an increasingly technology-filled world.