Boy, 10, fatally electrocuted while helping family put up Christmas lights

04 December 2023 , 13:45

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Augusto Dalmaz Bonato was found lying unconscious by his horrified dad (Image: Jam Press)

A 10-year-old boy was fatally electrocuted during what is usually a joyous time with putting up Christmas lights in the family home.

Augusto Dalmaz Bonato was found lying unconscious by his horrified dad in Brazil, who quickly called the emergency services, Paramedics gave the young lad first aid and took him to a hospital in the nearest big city. Tragically, he died in the ICU early on Saturday. His devastated sister, Carolina Dalmaz, tried to revive Augusto as the family waited for help to arrive in Campo Largo, southwest of São Paulo. She told local media: "I tried to revive him. I did everything I could. In my profession, I have saved many people, and I thought I could save him too. It was such a silly thing. He was so happy about putting up the Christmas decorations; no one could have ever imagined what happened."

Augusto was an altar boy at his local church and was "very religious" (Jam Press)

Augusto Dalmaz Bonato before his death (Jam Press)

Augusto’s death comes at a grief-filled time for the Bonato family, as they lost Augusto's grandfather a few weeks before. His grieving uncle, Hebert Bonato, told local media: "A fortnight ago, we lost my father, and now this blow. He received a massive shock. It wasn’t a simple Christmas lights shock. I don’t know if they were grounded to the earth." Augusto was an altar boy at his local church and was "very religious", according to his uncle. Hebert added: "He liked this time of year very much, he liked to spread the Christmas spirit to others."

Augusto Dalmaz Bonato with his mum. (Jam Press)

Augusto was buried Campo Largo yesterday. His mum wrote on social media: "My boy has left us. My heart is torn with such pain. No words can express this much grief. Go your way with God, my son. A boy who only brought joy and unforgettable moments. I will love you forever."

Peter Doherty, the English musician, recently revealed how he electrocuted himself after biting through Christmas lights wire. The 43-year-old rocker spoke about the scary incident as a kid which saw him being rushed to hospital, but luckily he survived. On Sky's Never Mind the Christmas Buzzcocks, Pete said: "When I was a toddler I remembered I chewed through a wire from Christmas lights. I kind of spontaneously combusted or something and I had to go to the hospital. When I came back I had a big white streak in my hair."

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