Distant view of a damn on the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh located next to a steel mill.
Distant view of a damn on the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh located next to a steel mill.
Distant view of a damn on the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh located next to a steel mill.
Distant view of a damn on the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh located next to a steel mill.
Distant view of a damn on the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh located next to a steel mill.

Death of Pennsylvania Man May Be Linked to Electric Shock Drowning

July 19, 2021
Investigators looking into possible ESD among other causes after 23-year-old found unresponsive in Monongahela River

According to a recent report by Pittsburgh’s Action News 4, the Monongahela Police Department is investigating the drowning of James DeAngelo, 23, of Venetia, Pa., who was found unresponsive after swimming in the Monongahela River on July 4.

Monongahela Police Chief Kevin Harris stated that the department was waiting on the cause of death from the coroner’s office, but that every option was being investigated, including the possibility of electric shock drowning (ESD). Should more information become available on this story, this piece will be updated. Read the original report here.

ESD is a serious and important topic regularly covered by EC&M. In addition to news reports of suspected ESD injuries and deaths in Arizona, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, read the following feature articles for more comprehensive information on what ESD is, how it is identified, codes and standards related to maintaining safe electrical systems in marinas and boatyards, and legislative steps that may aid in safety efforts.

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