Camilla Jessen
Boy survives near-fatal electrocution caused by phone charger in bed.
An eight-year-old boy is recovering in hospital after a terrifying electrical accident in his own bed.
His family says a charging phone, an extension cord and a necklace created a deadly combination that left him fighting for his life.
The incident has prompted his mother to warn other parents about letting children sleep near plugged-in devices.
A routine night turns dangerous
According to accounts shared by his family, Lorenzo Lopez was in bed on November 20 with a phone charging beside him.
As he shifted in his sleep, the necklace he was wearing slipped into the gap between the charger and the extension cord.
His mother says the metal chain made contact with exposed electrical points, shocking him. Unable to call out, he remained conscious long enough to remove the necklace.
“The lady had told him had he not pulled that chain off, he would have been electrocuted to death. So he basically saved his own life,” his mother, Courtney Pendleton, told supporters.
Terrifying moments
Lorenzo later described the experience as overwhelming and frightening.
“I guess I saved myself, and I’m happy about that,” he said. “It was just scary. I almost thought I was going to die.”
He suffered significant injuries that required hospitalisation. Doctors performed skin-graft surgery using skin from his scalp, legs and feet to treat the electrical burns.
Long recovery ahead
His family says he is expected to remain in hospital as he heals. A fundraiser has been created to help cover medical expenses, and his mother has been sharing updates on his condition.
“Today was a rough day for Lorenzo, he has been sore all day and kinda in a sad mood. I think he is getting home sick,” she wrote in a recent post on the fundraising page.
Pendleton is now urging families to take precautions around plugged-in electronics, especially at night.
She says her son’s accident underscores the risks posed by everyday chargers when mixed with bedding and metal jewellery.
“Parents, please, please don’t let your kids sleep with electronics or charging cords on their bed. It’s not worth the risk,” she said.
