Few stories bring home the hidden danger of everyday technology quite like the death of Ann‑Marie O’Gorman. The 46‑year‑old mother of three from Santry, Dublin, was electrocuted while holding a charging mobile phone in a bath, a tragedy that her husband says could have been prevented with clearer warnings. Here we lay out the inquest findings, the sequence of events, and the electrical safety advice that matters for every household.

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Age at death: 46 ·
Date of death: 30 October 2024 ·
Location: Santry, Dublin ·
Surviving family: Husband Joe, daughters Leah, Shauna, Megan ·
Cause of death (inquest finding): Electrocution while holding charging phone in bath ·
Inquest date: 1 October 2025

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Ann‑Marie O’Gorman died on 30 October 2024 at her home in Santry, Dublin (RTÉ).
  • She was electrocuted while holding a charging mobile phone in a bath (The Irish Times).
  • Toxicology was clear of alcohol or drugs (Irish Examiner).
2What’s unclear
  • Specific brand or model of phone and charger involved.
  • Whether the phone or charger had a fault.
  • Exact time of day of the incident.
3Timeline signal
  • – electrocution occurs (RTÉ).
  • – inquest returns narrative verdict (The Irish Times).
4What’s next
  • Husband calls for prominent warning labels on electronic device packaging (RTÉ).
  • Electrical safety authorities stress never to use charging devices near water (Safer Batteries Alliance).

Seven key facts from the inquest, one pattern: a tragic accident that exposed a gap in consumer awareness about electrical safety near water.

Category Detail
Full name Ann‑Marie O’Gorman (née Ray)
Date of death
Place of residence Santry, Dublin, Ireland
Cause of death Electrocution
Inquest date
Surviving spouse Joe O’Gorman
Children Leah, Shauna, Megan

Who Was Ann‑Marie O’Gorman?

Background and family details

The implication: Ann‑Marie O’Gorman was an ordinary woman whose life ended because of a risk many people simply don’t think about.

How Did Ann‑Marie O’Gorman Die?

Details of the electrocution

On , at her home on Shanliss Avenue in Santry, Ann‑Marie O’Gorman was using a mobile phone that was plugged into a charger while she was in a bath (The Irish Times). Forensic engineer Paul Collins told the inquest that the phone probably fell into the water, and when O’Gorman tried to retrieve it, her finger contacted a shower attachment handle, completing an electrical circuit through her body (Irish Examiner (Irish daily newspaper)).

The pathologist found no underlying health conditions, and toxicology tests showed no alcohol or drugs in her system (RTÉ). The electric current from a typical mobile‑phone charger – around 2 amps – was “more than enough” to be fatal, Collins testified (RTÉ).

The upshot

A 2‑amp current – the same as what powers a small LED lamp – can kill if water provides the path across the chest. The risk is real, not theoretical.

Sequence of events on 30 October 2024

  • The incident occurred at the family home in Santry, Dublin (The Irish Times).
  • O’Gorman was pronounced dead at Beaumont Hospital (The Irish Times).
  • A death notice was published on rip.ie on 5 November 2024 (rip.ie (Irish death notice directory)).

The pattern: a series of ordinary actions – charging a phone, taking a bath – turned lethal in seconds. No fault in the device or the person was identified; the danger lies in the combination of water and live electricity.

The pattern: a simple act of bringing a charging phone into the bath can turn fatal in an instant. The electrical safety advice is clear: never mix water and live electronics.

What Did the Inquest into Ann‑Marie O’Gorman’s Death Conclude?

Inquest findings and cause of death

The inquest was held on at Dublin District Coroner’s Court (RTÉ). The coroner recorded a narrative verdict – death by misadventure – because the incident involved a known risk factor: using a mobile phone in a bath (RTÉ).

Coroner’s statements

“This is a horrendous tragedy and my sincere sympathies go to the O’Gorman family.”

— Coroner Clare Keane, Dublin District Coroner’s Court (Irish Examiner)

The catch: the narrative verdict does not assign blame, but it highlights a gap in public knowledge. The coroner stressed that charging devices should never be used near water.

The catch: despite the verdict, the case underscores a critical safety gap that needs addressing through better warnings.

What Electrical Safety Warnings Were Issued After the Inquest?

Electrical safety advice for charging phones

Preventing electrocution near water

Forensic engineer Paul Collins recommended that homes install Residual Current Devices (RCDs) in bathroom circuits to automatically cut power if a fault occurs (Irish Examiner). Joe O’Gorman, the victim’s husband, called for prominent warning labels on the outside of electronic device packaging, saying “there is no warning on phones about the danger of coming into contact with water while they are being charged” (RTÉ).

What to watch

Manufacturers currently place safety warnings deep in user manuals. The O’Gorman family argues that a simple graphic on the box – “Do not use while charging near water” – would save lives.

The trade‑off: convenience versus a hazard that is invisible until it is fatal. The cost of a warning label is negligible; the cost of ignoring it can be a life.

The trade-off: a simple label could save lives, yet manufacturers hesitate. The O’Gorman family’s call is a necessary intervention.

How to Keep Safe While Charging a Phone at Home

Safe charging practices

Avoiding water and electricity contact

  • Install Residual Current Devices (RCDs) in bathroom consumer units (Irish Examiner).
  • If a plugged‑in device falls into water, do not reach for it while standing in water – trip the mains first (Safer Batteries Alliance).
  • Keep phone chargers and cables outside the bathroom entirely.

Why this matters: the inquest into Ann‑Marie O’Gorman’s death is not an isolated case. Similar fatalities have been reported globally, and the root cause is almost always the same: water and a live electrical circuit. The fix is straightforward and inexpensive.

Why this matters: the safety measures are simple and cheap, but without awareness they remain unimplemented. This death could have been avoided.

Timeline of Events

  • : Ann‑Marie O’Gorman dies from electrocution at her home in Santry while holding a charging phone in a bath (RTÉ).
  • : Death notice published on rip.ie (rip.ie).
  • 2025 (before October): Pre‑inquest investigation by Gardaí (The Irish Times).
  • : Inquest at Dublin District Coroner’s Court; narrative verdict recorded; safety warnings issued (RTÉ).
  • Post‑1 October 2025: Coverage by RTÉ and Irish Mirror raises public awareness about charging devices near water (Irish Mirror (Irish daily tabloid)).

The pattern: the legal process took nearly a year, but the core safety message – never mix water and charging electronics – was known long before. The gap is in public awareness, not in technical knowledge.

Confirmed facts

  • Ann‑Marie O’Gorman died on 30 October 2024 in Santry, Dublin. (RTÉ)
  • She was electrocuted while holding a charging mobile phone in a bath. (RTÉ)
  • The inquest was held on 1 October 2025. (RTÉ)
  • Her husband is Joe O’Gorman and she had three daughters. (The Irish Times)
  • A narrative verdict was recorded. (RTÉ)

What’s unclear

  • The specific brand or model of the phone and charger.
  • Whether the phone or charger was faulty.
  • Exact time of day of the incident.
  • Whether other family members were present.

Voices from the Inquest

“This is a horrendous tragedy and my sincere sympathies go to the O’Gorman family. I hope that by highlighting the dangers, we can prevent another family from going through this.”

— Coroner Clare Keane, Dublin District Coroner’s Court (Irish Examiner)

“There is no warning on phones about the danger of coming into contact with water while they are being charged. Warnings should be displayed prominently on the outside of packaging of all electronic devices.”

— Joe O’Gorman, husband of the deceased (RTÉ)

“The O’Gorman girls are heartbroken. Ann‑Marie was a loving mother and wife who will be dearly missed.”

— Family statement via rip.ie (rip.ie)

The common thread: each speaker points to a simple preventive measure – a warning label, a public awareness campaign – that could have averted this death. The tragedy is that such measures have not yet been implemented.

For Irish households and regulators, the implication is clear: every charging device sold without a prominent water‑hazard warning is a missed opportunity to save lives. Joe O’Gorman’s call for mandatory labels on packaging is not an emotional plea – it is a data‑driven safety intervention. The choice for manufacturers and authorities is equally clear: act now, or face the next inquest.

Related reading: Ar Dheis Dé go Raibh a Anam Meaning: Irish Rest in Peace · Declan Breslin Donegal Tenancy Damages: €15k Tribunal Ruling

Additional sources

thenightly.com.au

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Frequently asked questions

What was the inquest verdict for Ann‑Marie O’Gorman?

The coroner recorded a narrative verdict of death by misadventure because the incident involved a known risk factor – using a mobile phone in a bath (RTÉ).

Is it dangerous to charge a phone in the bath?

Yes. Water can conduct electricity from a charging cable through the body, even at the low currents typical of phone chargers (around 2 amps). Ann‑Marie O’Gorman’s death illustrates this lethal combination (RTÉ).

What safety advice did the coroner give?

The coroner advised never to use or charge a mobile phone while in a bath or near water, and to keep all electrical devices away from water sources (Irish Examiner).

How could this electrocution have been prevented?

By not bringing a charging phone into the bathroom at all. Installing Residual Current Devices (RCDs) can also cut power automatically if a fault occurs. Simple rules: keep chargers dry, inspect cables regularly, and never reach for a plugged‑in device that has fallen into water (Safer Batteries Alliance).

Are phone chargers waterproof?

Standard phone chargers and cables are not designed to be submerged or used in wet environments. Even “water‑resistant” phones do not protect against electric shock when connected to a live charger in water (TechRepublic).

What should I do if my phone falls in water while charging?

Do not reach for it while you or the device are in water. Instead, go to the main electrical panel and switch off the circuit breaker, or unplug the charger from the wall with dry hands (Electrical Safety First).

Does the inquest change any safety recommendations?

The inquest reinforced existing recommendations from safety bodies. The O’Gorman case has amplified calls for mandatory warning labels on device packaging, which could become a regulatory push in Ireland and beyond (Irish Examiner).

Where can I leave condolences for the O’Gorman family?

Condolences can be left on the death notice page on rip.ie (rip.ie).

These questions reflect the public’s demand for clearer safety information on a topic that remains poorly understood.