Escondido Man Dies in Christmas Light Accident

Antonio Pascual Mateo, a 24-year-old man from Escondido, California, tragically died from electrocution while hanging Christmas lights after accidentally throwing them over a high-voltage power line. Despite resuscitative efforts at the hospital, Mateo died, and his body was found hanging upside down from a tree, with rescue teams delayed until power was shut off. His family has set up a GoFundMe page to cover funeral expenses and to transport his body to Guatemala, raising significant amounts towards their goal. The tragedy has sparked discussions on safety measures for holiday lighting installations, stressing the importance of avoiding handling lights near power lines or while they are plugged in. Mateo is remembered as a devoted family member and is mourned by his community.