Nov 28, 2024, 1:00 PM
Nov 26, 2024, 9:25 AM

Man dies after electrocution while hanging Christmas lights

Highlights
  • Antonio Pascual Mateo was electrocuted while hanging Christmas lights near a high-voltage power line.
  • Emergency responders found him hanging upside down from a tree and despite their efforts, he died at the hospital.
  • A GoFundMe has been set up to assist with funeral costs and to transport his body to Guatemala, where his mother lives.
Story

In Escondido, California, a tragic accident occurred on November 21, 2024, when 24-year-old Antonio Pascual Mateo was electrocuted while attempting to hang Christmas lights on his roof. The San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office reported that Mateo was found hanging upside down from a tree following the incident. He had thrown the lights over a high-voltage power line, which led to the fatal electrocution. Emergency responders activated 9-1-1, but despite their efforts to revive him and transport him to the hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to aid Mateo's family with funeral expenses and to help transport his body to Guatemala for burial, where his mother resides. The fundraiser organizer, Juan Pascual, described the ongoing grief of losing a young man who had much to live for. He indicated that the rescue team struggled to reach Mateo for an hour, having to wait for the power company to turn off the electricity before they could safely recover him. The incident has deeply affected the community, showcasing the risks of decorating for the holidays. Mateo's untimely death has raised awareness about safety when working near power lines, especially during the holiday season when people typically engage in outdoor decoration. Friends and family have remembered Mateo for his spirit and the mark he left on the hearts of those who knew him. As the GoFundMe continues to gather support, the community mourns a promising life cut short in a preventable accident. This incident serves as a stark reminder about the importance of safety precautions when dealing with electrical installations, particularly in residential areas where overhead power lines are present. It is crucial for individuals to understand the potential dangers associated with holiday decorations to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

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