A heartbreaking incident has left a community in mourning after a 16-year-old girl lost her life in a shocking accident involving her smartphone.
In today’s world, mobile phones have become an inseparable part of our daily lives—we carry them everywhere, even into places that should be considered off-limits for electronics, like bathrooms. While most people never consider the risks, this devastating tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the hidden dangers that come with using phones while in the bathtub.
The young victim, Maria Antonietta Cutillo, was at home in Avellino, Italy, when a simple mistake led to a fatal outcome that no one saw coming.
A Relaxing Bath Turned Tragic
What should have been a quiet, routine evening for Maria Antonietta took a devastating turn when she decided to take a bath while talking to a friend on the phone. The teenager was reportedly holding her device while it was plugged into a charger, completely unaware that she was putting herself at risk.
At some point during the call, her phone slipped from her hands and fell into the water, causing a short circuit that led to her electrocution.
Her family was not at home at the time, making the situation even more tragic, as there was no one around to react immediately and provide help.
Friend Witnessed the Horror Unfold in Real-Time
Maria Antonietta’s friend, who was on the other end of the video call, was the first to realize that something had gone terribly wrong.
As they were chatting, the call suddenly cut out, leaving the friend panicked and confused. Unable to reach Maria again, she quickly called emergency services, fearing that something serious had happened.
By the time help arrived, it was too late. The teenager’s lifeless body was discovered, and despite efforts to revive her, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
An Investigation into the Shocking Incident
Following the tragedy, local authorities launched an investigation to determine exactly what happened.
Maria Antonietta’s body was taken to the Moscati Hospital morgue in Avellino for an autopsy, while local law enforcement worked to piece together the details of the accident.
Her father, a well-known businessman in the Irpinia region, was devastated upon learning of his daughter’s passing. The community, too, has been left reeling from the sudden loss of such a young and promising life.
Friend Shares Emotional Tribute After Witnessing the Unthinkable
Maria Antonietta’s friend, who was speaking with her during the tragic moment, later took to social media to share a gut-wrenching tribute.
In a post that has since gone viral, she expressed her deep sorrow, recalling the horrifying moment she heard her friend’s final cries.
“You flew to heaven, my love. You left while screaming my name during our video call. I will never, ever forget that moment.”
She continued:
“The last call, the last laugh, the last bit of nonsense we shared together—it all happened today. And while you were talking to me, this terrible accident took you away.”
The grief-stricken friend also described how she could still hear Maria’s voice in her head, the way she called out before the line went silent.
“I have your voice echoing in my mind. I can still see your big green eyes, hear your laughter. You were an incredible friend. Now, the school desk beside me will be empty, and no one can ever take your place.”
Her heartbreaking words captured the depth of the loss, as friends, classmates, and loved ones mourned Maria Antonietta’s sudden passing.
The Rare but Real Danger of Phone Electrocution
While electrocution from mobile phones is relatively rare, it does happen—and experts continue to warn about the potential dangers of using electronic devices while near water.
Maria Antonietta’s case is not the first tragic incident of its kind.
- In 2023, a 27-year-old man in Thailand, Wanchai Deengam, lost his life in a similar situation. He had fallen asleep while charging his phone, which was plugged into a makeshift extension cord that also powered multiple other appliances. Authorities believed that a short circuit caused his electrocution.
- In 2020, a schoolgirl from France suffered a fatal electric shock while taking a bath. Her charging phone slipped onto her chest before falling into the water, leading to instant electrocution.
Though these tragedies are relatively uncommon, they highlight a critical and often overlooked hazard—charging phones near water can be deadly.
Why Charging Phones Near Water Is So Dangerous
Many people assume that using their smartphones while plugged into a charger is completely safe. However, in reality, a plugged-in device increases the risk of electrocution, especially if it falls into a conductive environment like water.
When a phone is charging, it is connected directly to a power source. If the device comes into direct contact with water, the electricity can flow through the liquid, creating a deadly shock.
Even a low-voltage phone charger can produce enough current to cause fatal electrocution, particularly when combined with wet skin, which lowers the body’s resistance to electricity.
A Heartbreaking Reminder to Be Cautious
Maria Antonietta Cutillo’s death serves as a devastating wake-up call about the dangers of using electronic devices near water.
What started as an ordinary evening turned into an unthinkable loss, all because of a simple mistake that many people make daily.
While smartphones have become a permanent extension of our hands, this tragedy is a reminder that some places should remain phone-free zones.