It was supposed to be an ordinary evening, but a small decision changed everything for one Italian family. In the quiet town of Avellino province, 16-year-old Maria Antonietta Cutillo was relaxing in the bathtub while talking to a friend on her phone. Her device was plugged in to charge — something many people do without a second thought. Moments later, the call went silent, and within minutes, a heartbreaking tragedy unfolded. The accident not only devastated her family but also sparked an international conversation about everyday habits we often overlook.

According to local reports, Maria’s friend grew alarmed when she suddenly stopped responding. Her parents rushed to the bathroom and found her unresponsive, the phone still in her hands. Emergency services arrived quickly, but it was too late — doctors confirmed she had suffered a fatal electric shock when the charging device came into contact with bathwater. Forensic experts later identified burns on her hand as further evidence of electrocution.

The loss has shaken the local community. Maria’s funeral, attended by hundreds of classmates, teachers, and neighbors, became a powerful tribute to a young life cut short. Friends described her as kind, full of dreams, and always connected to others through her phone. Even the town’s mayor declared a day of mourning, honoring her memory and offering support to the grieving Cutillo family.

Maria’s story has since traveled far beyond Italy, serving as a sobering reminder of hidden dangers in our daily routines. Safety experts emphasize that while phones themselves are not inherently dangerous, using them while plugged in near water can be deadly. Families and educators are now urging young people to stay cautious and avoid charging devices in bathrooms. What happened to Maria cannot be undone, but her story is inspiring a global effort to prevent similar tragedies in the future.