San Diego authorities have emphasized the importance of holiday safety following a tragic accident in which 24-year-old Antonio Pascual Mateo died of electrocution while hanging Christmas lights at a client’s home in Escondido.

 

According to the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s report, the young man died after coming into contact with a high-voltage power line while installing the lights Thursday morning. Firefighters had to wait for SDG&E to cut power in the area before they could rescue him.

 

“Upon arrival, we found a worker suspended in the air by a waist harness; it appeared he had come into contact with high-tension power lines,” said the Escondido Battalion Chief.

 

Antonio’s family remembers him as a young man devoted to his family and full of life. They have launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses.

 

Christmas light installation experts advise against hanging lights while they are plugged in and stress the importance of organizing work carefully and taking safety precautions. Information from Fox5SanDiego.