Crime & Safety

Metro Detroit Teen Dies After Accidentally Grabbing Downed Power Line: Police

Officials said the teen accidentally grabbed the live wire thinking it was a stick.

MONROE, MI — A 14-year-old girl died Monday evening after grabbing a downed power line in Monroe as severe storms swept through the area, the Monroe Department of Public Safety said.

Officials said the teen was walking with a friend in her backyard at 7:41 p.m. on Peters Street, near Conant Avenue and East 1st Street when she was electrocuted to death after grabbing the live wire, thinking it was a stick.

When emergency crews arrived at the scene, the young girl was still "in contact with the energized electrical line," officials said.

Find out what's happening in Dearbornfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

DTE Energy then turned off the power source to the wire so officials could help the young girl, but it was too late as authorities said she died.

Officials determined that the young girl lived at the home where the electrocution occurred Monday night. The girl's family members were also at the home when the electrocution happened.

Find out what's happening in Dearbornfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Monroe police were still investigating the incident as of Monday night.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.