Ann-Marie O’Gorman Electrocution: Inquest, Safety, and Tributes

When you think of everyday household risks, the combination of water and electricity probably comes to mind — but the tragic death of Ann-Marie O’Gorman shows just how close that danger can be. On October 30, 2024, the 46-year-old mother of three was electrocuted while holding a charging mobile phone in a bath at her home in Santry, Dublin, with an inquest a year later confirming the cause and prompting renewed safety warnings.

Victim’s age: 46 · Date of incident: October 30, 2024 · Location: Santry, Dublin, Ireland · Inquest date: October 1, 2025 · Cause of death: Electrocution while holding a charging mobile phone in a bath · Survived by: Husband Joe and three children

Six key facts from the case, one pattern: a single everyday act with an electrical device in a wet space turned fatal.

Who was Ann-Marie O’Gorman?

Background and family

• Ann-Marie O’Gorman was a 46-year-old mother of three from Shanliss Avenue, Santry, Dublin (RTÉ News).
• She was married to Joe O’Gorman (The Irish Times).

Professional life

Details about her career are not widely reported, but the family statement described her as a devoted mother and wife. The pattern: a life cut short by a risk that is seldom discussed.

How did Ann-Marie O’Gorman die?

Details of the electrocution

• She was electrocuted while holding a charging mobile phone in a bath (TheJournal.ie).
• The incident occurred at her home on October 30, 2024 (The Irish Times).
• Her husband Joe found her unresponsive in an en-suite bathroom (Irish Examiner).
• He reportedly saw an iPhone and charging cable in the bath and received a small electric shock when lifting her from the water (The Nightly).

The role of the charging phone

Consultant forensic engineer Paul Collins examined the scene and told the inquest he believed the phone fell into the water (The Irish Times). When she turned to retrieve it, her finger likely contacted the handle of a shower attachment and completed the circuit. The engineer found no fault with the phone, charger, or cable.

What did the inquest reveal?

Inquest findings

• The inquest was held on October 1, 2025, at Dublin District Coroner’s Court (RTÉ News).
• State pathologist Heidi Okkers carried out the autopsy (Irish Examiner).
• The autopsy found electrocution-type burns to her chest and left arm and full-thickness burns to her right index finger and thumb (Irish Examiner).
• Toxicology tests showed no alcohol or drugs in her body (Irish Examiner).
• The cause of death was given as electrocution by a charging cable and phone while in a bath (RTÉ News).

Coroner’s comments

The coroner returned a verdict of death by misadventure and described the incident as a “horrendous tragedy” (RTÉ News). A warning about using charging devices near water was issued.

Why this matters: the O’Gorman case is not an isolated freak accident — it’s a preventable tragedy that repeats every year across the world.

Where can I find the death notice and leave condolences?

Rip.ie death notice

• A death notice for Ann-Marie O’Gorman is available on rip.ie (Irish Examiner — family tribute referenced).
• The notice includes details of her passing and family.

Condolence book

Condolences can be left on the Rip.ie page, where the family posted a tribute expressing shock and loss.

What safety measures can prevent such accidents?

Risks of charging devices in wet areas

• Never charge or use electrical devices near water (Irish Examiner — coroner’s warning).
• The engineer stated that even the 2 amps from a phone charger is enough to kill (Irish Examiner).

Step-by-step safety checklist

1. Never charge or use electrical devices near water.
2. Install residual current devices (RCDs) for all bathroom circuits.
3. Keep devices away from bathtubs and sinks entirely.
4. If a device falls into water, do not attempt to retrieve it while it is still plugged in.

Timeline signal

• October 30, 2024 — Ann-Marie O’Gorman is electrocuted at her home in Santry, Dublin (The Irish Times).
• November 5, 2024 — Death notice published on rip.ie (Irish Examiner).
• October 1, 2025 — Inquest held at Dublin District Coroner’s Court; findings reported (RTÉ News).

Quotes from those involved

“We are heartbroken by the sudden loss of our beautiful Ann-Marie. She was the centre of our family and will be missed more than words can say.”

— Joe O’Gorman and family, via rip.ie (Irish Examiner)

“This is a horrendous tragedy. I hope it serves as a warning to everyone about the dangers of using electrical devices near water.”

— The Coroner, Dublin District Coroner’s Court (RTÉ News)

The tragedy of Ann-Marie O’Gorman is a stark reminder that the convenience of a charging phone can become lethal when water is nearby. For every household in Ireland — and beyond — the choice is simple: keep all electrical devices out of bathrooms, or face a risk that no family should have to endure. The coroner’s warning must not be forgotten.

For a deeper look into the safety concerns raised by this tragedy, the full inquest report offers further details on the investigation.

Frequently asked questions