San Diego Incident Raises Alarm on Holiday Decorating Dangers

A tragic incident in Escondido, San Diego County, has turned a traditional holiday activity into a cautionary tragedy, emphasizing the often-overlooked dangers of handling electrical decorations.

At a Glance

  • Antonio Pascual Mateo, 24, died by electrocution while hanging Christmas lights.
  • The incident occurred when Mateo accidentally threw lights over a high-voltage power line.
  • Emergency services found Mateo, but they had to wait for power to be shut off for rescue.
  • A GoFundMe campaign raised over $8,200 to assist Mateo’s family.

Details of the Incident

Antonio Pascual Mateo, a 24-year-old resident of Escondido, tragically died from a high-voltage electrocution while installing Christmas lights. The accident occurred on November 21, when Mateo reportedly threw the Christmas lights over a high-voltage power line. Despite the swift arrival of emergency services, they had to wait until the power was shut off by San Diego Gas & Electric before they could safely approach Mateo.

Found hanging upside down from a tree and wearing a waist harness, Mateo sadly succumbed to his injuries on-site. The medical examiner confirmed that his actions inadvertently led to the fatal accident: “The decedent threw the lights over the power line resulting in electrocution.” His untimely passing left a significant impact not only on his close-knit family but also on the local community.

A Heartfelt Loss for the Family

Mateo was transported to Palomar Medical Center but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Known to his family as a devoted brother, son, and uncle, his loss is deeply felt. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to support his grieving family, raising over $8,200. The funds will assist with Mateo’s transport and burial in Guatemala, his family’s native country, and to provide for their immediate needs.

“He had so much to live for,” wrote the GoFundMe organizer, Jual Pascal. “He always took care of his mother and family. Forever young he will remain. Christmas lights will forever have a meaning to us. He will remain in our hearts for eternity,” Pascal added.

This incident has sparked widespread discussions among Christmas light installers nationwide about the paramount importance of safety. Some local business owners emphasize the importance of safety assessments whenever handling electrical decorations, and taking adequate time to organize work for safety’s sake.

Raising Awareness Among the Public

Emelio Linares of SD Light Guys noted the critical importance of reassessing situations when unsure about electrical safety. Jay Hobson of The Holiday Lighters advises against plugging in lights while installing them to minimize risks.

“Organize your stuff. Taking your time is the best,” Hobson said.

Pascal’s family, struck by this devastating loss, hopes that Mateo’s story will serve as a cautionary tale and that increased public awareness will prevent future tragedies.

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