Man dies from injuries after accidental electrocution from homemade device

HARLAN COUNTY, Ky. ( WATE ) — The Harlan County Coroner’s Office confirmed a death by electrocution of a 49-year-old man after he was reportedly using a homemade wood-burning device.

A news release shared via social media overnight Thursday by the Coroner John Derrick Noe stated that at 7:44 p.m. on Aug. 6, the coroner’s office was called to the Harlan ARH Emergency Department due to a death by electrocution. After Coroner Noe arrived, he pronounced a 49-year-old man dead of “injuries sustained by accidental electrical means.” The man was not identified in the initial news release.

“From all indications the subject was using a homemade wood burning instrument when he come into contact with electrical current that caused him to go into cardiac arrest,” the coroner’s office stated.

The man’s family members as well as Lifeguard EMS crews tried to revive him and he was taken to the ER. He was confirmed dead on arrival by medical staff.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family,” the coroner’s office stated, before concluding that “Coroner Noe reminds everyone to take precautions and stay safe when using any electrical devices.”

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