Citation

Pincus JL, Lathrop SL, Briones AJ, Andrews SW, Aurelius MB. J. Forensic Sci. 2014; 60(1): 66-71.

Affiliation

Department of Pathology, The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131; New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, 1101 Camino de Salud NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87102.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, American Society for Testing and Materials, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/1556-4029.12546

PMID

25053421

Abstract

To better understand lightning deaths, a retrospective review of electronic records from New Mexico's Office of the Medical Investigator database was performed between 1977 and 2009 to update and assess current risk factors. Information on demographics, circumstances, autopsy, and death certificates were collected and analyzed. Fifty-four decedents were identified, ages 2-71 years old (mean 34 years old), 42 males and 12 females. Common racial/ethnic groups were non-Hispanic Whites and American Indians (together comprising 72% of all cases). Physical findings were often related to the heat carried by the electrical current including clothing alterations (29.6%) and burning of skin (53.7%). Most deaths occurred on weekend afternoons in summer months, associated with recreational activities or agricultural work, and rural locations (77.8%). Utilizing the demographic information, clustered events, and associated outdoor activities will assist in creating public awareness and provide a framework to support targeted warnings in an attempt to prevent future deaths.

Language: en