(ProsperNews.net) – An 18-year-old has died from electrocution at a Virginia lake. Jesse Hamric of Colorado was visiting friends for the Fourth of July holiday when he jumped into the lake near a private dock and immediately showed signs of distress. Two friends tried to rescue the teenager and likewise experienced an electric shock. They were treated for minor injuries at the scene, but paramedics transported Hamric to hospital after CPR attempts failed to revive him. He died later the same day.
Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire Rescue and Bedford County Sheriff’s Office investigated the incident and indicated that the electrical charge may have come from the nearby dock. They initially suggested that the medical examiner would classify the case as accidental, though stressed that inquiries are ongoing.
Neil Harrington of the Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire Rescue said he was not surprised by the tragedy, noting that stray electrical currents have been a concern at Mountain Lake for several years. Mr. Harrington told reporters that he first became aware of the problem in 2017 and conducted investigations with an electrician and a physicist. They found electrical currents at more than 200 out of 209 residential docks.
Electric Shock Drowning (ESD) occurs when electricity passes through water components, particularly ions. The relatively unknown danger has killed several people in recent years by causing body paralysis and associated drowning.
The Electric Shock Drowning Prevention Association says most people are unaware of ESD and offers advice on how to recognize the dangers and avoid them. The organization urges people never to swim near marinas or docks, where most incidents and fatalities occur, and states that boat owners should have their vessels checked regularly for electrical faults.
Electricity in water can be felt with “tingles” in the body, and the group cautions swimmers to leave the water immediately if they experience such sensations. Bystanders are warned never to jump into the water but to throw a non-electricity-conducting lifeline instead.
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