Wiring problems led to deaths of 2 Ashland children

Originally published July 4, 2012 at 10:57 a.m., updated July 5, 2012 at 10:57 a.m.

UPDATE:

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. (AP) — Authorities say improper wiring led to the deaths of two children at the Lake of the Ozarks on the Fourth of July.

Thirteen-year-old Alexandra Anderson and her 8-year-old brother Brayden, of Ashland, were swimming near a private a dock when electricity traveled into the water.

Sgt. Paul Reinsch of the Missouri State Highway Patrol says there was no ground fault interrupter to monitor the current and trip the electricity if there was a problem.

He says the electricity could have come from several sources, including a boat lift or a pump used to power a water slide.

After the children were shocked, adults pulled the children from the water and performed CPR until medical crews arrived.

The children were taken to an area hospital, where doctors pronounced them dead.

EARLIER STORY, posted evening of July 4, 2012:

Two children from Ashland were electrocuted Wednesday afternoon while swimming in the Lake of the Ozarks.

The Missouri Highway Patrol said the two — Alexandra Anderson, 13, and her brother Braden, 8, both from Ashland — were pronounced dead at Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach.

They were electrocuted about 12:05 p.m., while swimming near a private dock in the Lake’s Gravois Arm, near the 6.5-mile marker.

Investigators on Wednesday had not determined the source of the electricity. Their investigation is continuing with officers from the patrol’s Marine Operations and Drug and Crime Control divisions.

Several adults pulled the children from the water and began CPR until medical services reached the scene.

First version, posted at 3:32 p.m. July 4, 2012:

An Ashland brother and sister died Wednesday when they were electrocuted shortly after noon while swimming near a private dock at the Lake of the Ozarks.

The 13-year-old girl and 8-year-old boy were shocked by a yet undetermined electrical source. Troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol Marine Operations Division and the Division of Drug and Crime Control are investigating.

More like this story

Hugs 11 months, 2 weeks ago

I've read in other news that one was 10 years old and died, the other kid was 11 years old and was revived on flight for life.

mia 11 months, 2 weeks ago

Unfortunately, that has to be wrong. This makes my heart hurt. How terribly sad, sad. Please, please use GFI's in your homes and on your docks. This happens way too often and can be avoided. My sympathies go out to this family. What a tragedy.

Silverado_Phil 11 months, 2 weeks ago

It is a scary scenario with all the docks and electricity around the lake. GFIs will not necessarily protect someone in the water. I have seen GFIs go bad due to the bugs and humidity around the docks. Until the source of the electricity in the water is determined, it will be a mystery. Source could be a neighboring dock. There are a lot of old docks at the lake and a lot of them have not had their wiring updated. This is a very unfortunate accident.

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