Alex McKee, a 17-year-old student from Ireland, died last Sunday at a residential property on the Greek island of Kimolos, in the Aegean region. Greek authorities have suggested he may have been electrocuted by faulty shower equipment.
Alex had been with his family on the island, where his mother is from, when the accident occurred, Cork Beo reports. A doctor based on Kimolos, Agapitos Xanthis, said Alex's mother also felt an electrical sensation while showering, noting, "we are lucky there weren’t two deaths as a result of electrocution."
Post-mortem confirms electrocution
Alex's body was taken to the Piraeus Forensic Medical Service on the Greek mainland, where a post-mortem confirmed the cause of death as electrocution. According to The Guardian, a Greek police inquiry is focusing on the building's water heater, aiming to locate a possible fault in the wiring. An officer told the publication that the home's fusebox may have had an issue with a safety valve.
Award-winning student remembered
Alex was part of an award-winning Irish Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition project that gained national acclaim earlier this year. He and two classmates developed 'Bumblebee,' a communication system for people with nonverbal autism. The project won first place in its category and a Special Award from the Ombudsman for Children's Office.
Cork North TD Colm Burke, who met Alex months ago during the exhibition, told Cork Beo the news has devastated the community. "It's extremely sad to hear that someone so young has died so tragically," he said. "He was a really talented young person with his whole life and huge career ahead of him. Earlier this year, he put a huge effort into getting to that stage in the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition and was awarded for his efforts. It is devastating news for his family, the community and his school colleagues."
Consular assistance provided
Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs is assisting following the tragedy. A spokesperson said: "The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is aware of this case and is providing consular assistance. As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases."
