'He will remain in our hearts': 24-year-old electrocuted while hanging Christmas lights
A 24-year-old man was electrocuted while hanging Christmas lights on a client's home in Escondido, prompting officials to urge caution when installing lights this holiday season.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Holiday safety is top of mind for officials in San Diego after an Escondido man was electrocuted while hanging Christmas lights on a client's home in a tragic incident.
The San Diego Medical Examiner's report said 24-year-old Antonio Pascual Mateo died of electrocution after reportedly throwing lights over a high voltage power line Thursday morning.
Fire crews had to wait for SDG&E to shut off the power in the area before the man was rescued. Officials said he was hanging upside down in the tree while waiting to be rescued.
“First unit arrived on scene and found a worker suspended in the air via a waist harness, it appeared that he had come in contact with some high-power tension lines," Escondido Battalion Chief said on the scene of the incident Thursday morning.
"He was a brother, a son and a uncle. His name was Antonio Pascual. He had so much to live, only 24 years old. He had been working on putting up Christmas lights around the tree. Something that we always did for our client. It always came out beautiful. He always took care of his mother and family. Sadly he was electrocuted by the power lines, as he was fixing the Christmas lights. He fell down and stayed in the tree, trapped for an hour. Rescue team was forced to wait until the power company had to turn off power. To late to save, forever young he will remain. Christmas lights forever having a meaning to us, he will remain in our hearts for eternity," the family's GoFundMe set up reads.
Christmas Light Installer Emelio Linares, the owner of SD Light Guys, said this tragic incident has been a big topic of discussion among light installers nationwide.
“If you're ever in doubt when it comes to electrical, take a second, reassess," Linares said.
Jay Hobson, owner of The Holiday Lighters, said never hang up Christmas lights while they are plugged in.
“Organize your stuff. Taking your time is the best," Hobson added.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help his family with funeral expenses.
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