Teen Dies In Horrific Incident After Phone Slips Into Bathtub During Chat With Friend

In a heartbreaking and entirely preventable tragedy, 16-year-old Maria Antonietta Cutillo from Montefalcione, Italy, lost her life after her phone, plugged in and charging, fell into the bathtub while she was on a call with a friend. The shocking incident, which occurred in May 2023, serves as a sobering reminder of the hidden dangers posed by modern devices when used carelessly.

While today’s world is more connected than ever, it comes with its risks, especially when we allow technology to creep into every part of our daily lives—including those moments when we should prioritize safety over convenience. For Cutillo, the tragic moment unfolded as she sat in the bathtub at her family home, casually chatting with a friend. Her phone, still plugged into an outlet to charge, slipped from her grasp and into the water, causing it to short-circuit and sending a deadly electric shock through the bathwater.

The emergency services rushed to the scene after Cutillo’s friend, concerned when the call abruptly cut off, raised the alarm. Sadly, by the time they arrived, it was too late—Maria Antonietta Cutillo had been electrocuted. An autopsy later confirmed the cause of death, and local police conducted an investigation into the incident. Though rare, such fatal accidents are becoming more common as we rely on our devices even in places and situations where they don’t belong.

In today’s world, we take for granted the ease and convenience that technology offers, but we must remember that no text, call, or scroll on social media is worth risking our lives. The temptation to charge phones or use them near water, especially in bathrooms, poses a significant safety threat. This tragedy is a call for common sense and responsibility—whether you’re a teenager or an adult, safety should always come first.

Cutillo’s friend, devastated by witnessing the tragic event unfold during their call, took to TikTok to express her grief: “You flew to heaven, my love. You left screaming my name during a video call. I will never ever forget that moment. I miss you, my heart, I have your image fixed in front of my eyes.” These words, as gut-wrenching as they are, show the deep pain and shock that accompany such preventable losses.

Unfortunately, Cutillo’s story isn’t the first, nor is it likely to be the last. Earlier this year, a 27-year-old man in Thailand, Wanchai Deengam, also tragically died when he fell asleep with his phone charging. Similar to Cutillo’s case, a short circuit likely led to his electrocution. In Deengam’s case, he was found clutching his phone, with his arm resting on the device. Investigations revealed that multiple devices were plugged into a single socket, a dangerous practice that contributed to the fatal short circuit.

These cases highlight a broader issue: the need for greater awareness about the risks of using charging devices in unsafe environments. Technology is a double-edged sword—capable of incredible good, but also dangerous when misused. We must rethink how we handle and charge our devices, especially when near water or in environments where electrocution is a possibility.

For the sake of our families, our loved ones, and ourselves, let’s be mindful of the risks. If nothing else, the tragic story of Maria Antonietta Cutillo should remind us that life is far too precious to be lost over the careless use of technology. In an age where convenience often trumps caution, it’s time to put safety back at the forefront.