A Dublin family has been left heartbroken after a mother of three, Ann-Marie O’Gorman, tragically lost her life when her iPhone fell into the bath while charging.

The 47-year-old, from Shanliss Avenue in Santry, was found unresponsive by her husband, Joe, in October last year. Despite being rushed to Beaumont Hospital, she was later pronounced dead.

During the inquest at the Dublin District Coroner’s Court, pathologist Dr. Heidi Okkers confirmed that O’Gorman had suffered electrocution-type burns to her chest and left arm.

Joe told the court that he had left home with their youngest daughter, Megan, around 6:40 p.m. and called his wife on the way back shortly before 8 p.m. When he returned, he discovered Ann-Marie lying on her side in the bath with her phone and charging cable submerged in the water.

As he tried to lift her out, Joe said he also felt a mild electric shock.

Speaking at the inquest, he criticized phone companies for promoting a “false illusion of safety” by marketing devices as waterproof, without clear warnings about the deadly risks of charging phones near water.

“The only thing you hear about is how these phones are great in up to six feet of water. It gives people the idea that you can have your phone near water. There should be warnings that this is dangerous,” Joe said.

He also stressed that no visible warnings on iPhones highlight the risk of electrocution if charging devices come into contact with water, calling for stricter safety measures and public awareness.

The tragic incident has reignited debate about smartphone safety standards and the need for stronger guidelines to protect users from similar accidents.