A tragic incident occurred on Thursday morning when Antonio Pascual Mateo, a 24-year-old Christmas light installer from San Diego, was electrocuted as he hung lights on the roof of a client’s home. This horrifying episode unfolded in Escondido, California, highlighting the dangers associated with holiday decorating.
According to the San Diego County Medical Examiner's office, the accident transpired around 10:40 AM. Mateo accidentally threw a string of lights over a high-voltage power line. Upon contact, the lights created a dangerous circuit, leading to his electrocution. The first responders arrived on scene to find Mateo hanging upside down from a tree, trapped for nearly an hour. Emergency crews were forced to wait until the local power company, San Diego Gas & Electric, could safely turn off the electricity before they could rescue him.
"First unit arrived on the scene and found a worker suspended in the air via a waist-harness. It appeared he had come in contact with some high-power tension lines," Escondido Battalion Chief reported, emphasizing the severity of the incident. Despite the paramedics' best efforts to administer advanced cardiovascular life support and rush him to Palomar Medical Center, Mateo was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.
His cause of death was officially ruled as high-voltage electrocution, determined by officials soon after the incident. Mateo's sudden and tragic passing left his family and friends devastated. They set up a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs and to transport his remains back to Guatemala, where he was originally from. The family shared heartfelt tributes, describing him as loving and devoted. "He was a brother, son, and uncle who always took care of his mother and family," they wrote.
The campaign has raised approximately $14,000 of its $20,000 goal and continues to draw support from the community. On the fundraising page, the family lamented, "Too late to save, forever young he will remain. Christmas lights forever having a meaning to us, he will remain in our hearts for eternity."
Mateo's tragic story is not isolated; it echoes across the United States, where decorating for the holidays can be fraught with risks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports approximately 160 holiday decorating-related injuries occur daily during the festive season, with electrical incidents contributing significantly to this number.
During the 2023 holiday season, it was estimated nearly 14,900 people sought treatment for injuries related to holiday decorating, with many incidents involving falls, electrical shocks, and fires. These statistics highlight the importance of safety measures when putting up decorations.
Decorators are encouraged to follow specific safety guidelines. These include using lights with the “Fire Resistant” label, avoiding overloading outlets, and being cautious of power lines when putting up decorations. Safety experts advise decorators not to string more than three sets of incandescent lights together and to always keep ladders stable and secure when hanging lights.
Although the festive spirit draws families and friends together during this special season, it’s imperative to approach such tasks with care to prevent future tragedies, such as the one suffered by Mateo’s family.
His story serves as both a beacon for compassionate giving and reminder of the potential dangers lurking during what is meant to be the happiest time of the year. Families across the nation light their homes to celebrate the holidays, but it’s worth remembering to prioritize safety amid the joy and festivities.
Antonio Pascual Mateo’s passing is not just another statistic—it’s a heartbreaking reminder of the human cost behind holiday preparations. His dedication to his family and hard work should not be forgotten and will continue to inspire those who knew him. With the holiday season upon us, it’s more important than ever to take all necessary precautions when decorating to keep the spirit of joy alive and avoid such devastating incidents.
