Firefighter dies after electrocution

File picture: sxc.hu

File picture: sxc.hu

Published Sep 22, 2014

Share

Washington - A US firefighter who suffered serious injuries in an accident during an Ice Bucket Challenge event at a Kentucky university last month has died, officials confirmed on Sunday.

Tony Grider, 41, passed away on Saturday, Campbellsville University confirmed, offering its condolences to the family of the firefighter.

Grider had been on the ladder of a fire truck along with another firefighter when it got too close to a power line as it dumped ice-cold water on Campbellsville University's marching band on August 21.

Although the ladder never touched the high-voltage power line, a power surge was able to energise the ladder, electrocuting the firefighters.

The other firefighter, identified by local media as 22-year-old Simon Quinn, was discharged from hospital on September 15.

Two other firemen were also hurt in the incident but released after treatment.

The Ice Bucket Challenge, in support of Lou Gehrig's disease research, has sparked a worldwide craze that has taken in everyone from billionaires to sports stars and former US presidents.

Since June, several thousand people worldwide have recorded themselves getting drenched, then posted the stunt online and challenged others to do the same, or pledge $100 to ALS research. - Sapa-AFP

Related Topics: