On August 1, 2024, a fatal accident involving a high-voltage power cable claimed the life of a 15-year-old girl in La Tinta, Guatemala. The teenager, Débora Rebeca Xi Artola, was taking selfies on a rooftop with friends when the incident occurred.
Artola, along with three of her friends, was on the rooftop of a two-story building, capturing photos and practicing dance moves. She came into contact with a power cable carrying thousands of volts. The incident resulted in an immediate, fatal shock that caused her head to separate from her body. She fell approximately 20 feet to the pavement below, an event witnessed by stunned bystanders who rushed to provide assistance but were unable to save her.
The gruesome accident was caught on video and circulated on social media.
Despite the swift response from emergency services, Artola was declared dead at the site. An investigation has since been launched by the authorities to ascertain the specifics of the accident and to determine if there was any negligence involved.
The unexpected loss of Artola has left her family and community in deep grief. Her mother, Andrea Xi, took to Facebook to share her sorrow, posting a heartfelt tribute along with a picture of Artola from her quinceañera (15th birthday) in March. The post read, “I love you forever. My princess,” reflecting the pain of losing a child suddenly.
In order to provide financial assistance to Artola’s family during this challenging time, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated. The fundraiser has so far managed to gather over $3,800.
Artola’s tragic death brings to light the increasing global issue of selfie-related fatalities, particularly among the youth. From 2008 to 2021, an estimated 379 people have died in accidents related to taking selfies. Such incidents frequently involve dangerous environments and risky behavior, with falls, drowning, and electrocution being the primary causes of death. The growing number of such incidents underscores the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures to avoid future tragedies.
