Antonio Pascual Mateo, 24, met with a tragic end while installing Christmas lights at a client’s home in Escondido, California on November 21, 2024. Mateo accidentally made contact with a high-voltage power line by throwing a string of lights over it while working on the roof. The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office reported that he was found suspended upside down from a tree by his waist harness, having been fatally electrocuted.
Emergency services had to wait for San Diego Gas & Electric to disconnect the power before they could safely retrieve him. Despite their best efforts using advanced cardiovascular life support, Mateo was declared dead at Palomar Medical Center.
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) issued a public statement on Tuesday afternoon, expressing its profound sadness over the tragic event. The company reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of its customers and the public. Expressing its deepest sympathies to Mateo’s family and loved ones, SDG&E stated that further details about the accident could not be shared due to the ongoing investigation and out of respect for the grieving family.
A native of Guatemala, Mateo was known for his devotion to his family. A GoFundMe page set up to help with his funeral costs and body repatriation described him as “a brother, a son, and an uncle” who consistently provided for his mother and family. So far, the campaign has garnered over $14,700 of its $20,000 target.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 160 decorating-related injuries occur daily during the holiday season, with nearly half involving falls. Electrical incidents and fires are also a significant risk. The commission advises against connecting more than three incandescent light strands and warns against overloading electrical outlets.
Jay Hobson, owner of The Holiday Lighters, emphasized the importance of safety when putting up holiday decorations, recommending, “Organize your stuff. Taking your time is the best.”
As the festive season approaches, officials caution people to exercise care when decorating, especially when working around power lines or using electrical decorations.
