It’s rare to meet someone who doesn’t own a cellphone these days, and most of us can’t imagine life without one.
While we’re all guilty of using our phones far more than the suggested screen time, this is especially true for teens, who use their phones the most; according to a Pew Research Center research, 95 percent of kids have access to a cellphone.
If you’re a parent of a teenager, you know how difficult it is to remove their smartphone from their grip, and doing so often means you’ll have one cranky youngster on your hands.
However, the necessity to carry your smartphone with you all the time can be dangerous. After taking her cellphone into the bath with her, a devastated family lost their teenage daughter.
In July 2017, Madison Coe, 14, of Lubbock, Texas, groped for her phone while taking a bath.
The victim looked to have been electrocuted at the time, according to police in Lovington, New Mexico, who discovered a cellphone, charger connection, and extension cord in the bathroom. Madison’s hand has a burn mark on it from holding the phone.
Her bereft parents wanted to warn others about the hazards of charging their electronics near water in the restroom. We’ve all heard about the dangers of mixing electronic gadgets and water, but the risk of electrocution is often overlooked.
Logan, her father, stated, “We don’t know if she reached down with a wet hand to try to pick it up or if it dropped into the bathtub with her.”
“This is just one of the countless examples of folks who can’t put their phone down.” “It’s something we’re all guilty of,” he remarked.
“We don’t want anyone else to lose a loved one over something that could have been avoided,” Logan added.
Madison’s mother commented, “She was a borrowed angel, and heaven has her back.”
Madison’s last snapshot on her phone, a photo of her frayed cell phone charger tied to an extension cord, laying on a towel on the bathroom floor, was subsequently discovered by the couple.
It’s a sobering reminder of how quickly a horrific catastrophe like this can occur. Madison’s family, on the other hand, wanted to share their experience in order to inspire others.
Madison’s stepmother, Felisha Owens, provided additional information about Madison’s death in July 2017.
Owens informed KOB that “phones, extension cables, electricity, and water do not mix.” “Parents, adore your children, kiss them every day, hug them frequently, and treasure every minute.” Our children are extremely valuable; they are one-of-a-kind, one-of-a-million, and nothing can ever replace them.”
Madison’s tale is unfortunately not unique in having tragic repercussions, demonstrating the necessity of keeping her memory alive and alerting others about the hazards.
A 13-year-old girl in France was brutally electrocuted in her bathtub in December of last year after her charged cellphone slipped into the water.
According to Daily Sabah, rescue workers were able to resuscitate the girl, whose name was not released. She was rushed to the hospital and put into a coma, but she died a few days later.
Because most teenagers have their phones “implanted in their palms,” the girl’s mother also wanted to warn other parents.
“We have to be adamant: no phones in bathtubs,” she warned, “because it can end so dramatically.”
Richard Bull, 32, of England, died after dropping his phone while it was charging in the bath. Although plug plugs are not permitted in UK bathrooms, a charging cable was discovered flowing from the corridor to the bathroom in this case.
Following his death in 2016, Sheila Merrill, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents’ public health consultant, noted that while such an incidence was rare, “people need to be wary about putting an electrical equipment into the bathroom.”
“The advice has always been given with regard to hairdryers and radios – not to use in the bathroom,” she told the BBC.
“If you have any appliances connected to the mains power circuit, you should be aware that there is a risk.” You’re putting your life in jeopardy. Electricity and water do not mix, yet with phones, people are less likely to worry about it. It’s not a good idea to use them while they’re plugged in, especially in the bathroom.”
It’s crucial to avoid using corded equipment in the bathtub, avoid charging your phone near water, and make sure your bathroom and kitchen outlets are up to date.
We’re usually cautioned to keep electrical appliances away from water, but telephones are sometimes overlooked.
There isn’t much we can say to Madison’s parents to console them, and no words will bring her back – but please share this vital warning with your friends and family to avoid this from happening again!