Tragedy in Leslie: Teen Killed, Another Injured in Electrocution Incident Near Elementary School
LESLIE, MI — The city of Leslie is in mourning after a tragic electrocution incident on Tuesday evening claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy and seriously injured another teen. According to the Leslie Police Department, the heartbreaking event unfolded near Woodworth Elementary School, where the two teenagers came into contact with a live electric line under circumstances still under investigation.
Police say the 14-year-old had touched an electrical wire with a metal rod, resulting in a sudden and powerful electric shock. A 15-year-old friend, in a desperate attempt to help him, also came into contact with the current and was electrocuted as well.
First responders quickly arrived on the scene and performed emergency treatment on both teens. They were then rushed to Henry Ford Hospital. Tragically, the younger teen succumbed to his injuries. The 15-year-old was later transferred to a children’s hospital, where he is expected to survive and recover, authorities said.
Officials were quick to clarify that the wire in question was not a downed power line, a common concern in such incidents. Instead, it appears to have been part of an active and energized line in the area — a critical detail as investigators work to determine how and why the teens came into contact with it.
The incident occurred on school grounds, raising additional questions and concerns about accessibility, safety precautions, and the presence of unsecured or unmarked electrical infrastructure near public spaces frequented by children.
Power utility Consumers Energy, which supplies electricity to the area, confirmed their involvement and released a statement expressing sorrow and support for those affected:
“Consumers Energy responded to an incident at Woodworth Elementary School in Leslie today [Tuesday]. We are deeply saddened to confirm that one young person lost their life and another was injured after coming into contact with a live electric line. While we do not have updates on the condition of the injured individual, our thoughts are with their loved ones during this difficult time, and we are hoping for a full recovery. As a safety measure, we temporarily de-energized the electric circuit serving the area, affecting service to 488 customers. Our team is on site, investigating the situation.”
As part of the response, the company de-energized the local electric circuit, impacting 488 nearby customers, as safety crews worked to secure the area and assess the potential hazards.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Leslie community, especially among students, parents, and educators who are grappling with the sudden loss of a young life. Grief counselors are expected to be made available at local schools, and a growing number of community members have begun organizing vigils and support efforts for both families.
Residents are also calling for greater oversight of electrical infrastructure in public and school zones, demanding answers about how such a dangerous situation could exist so close to a school and what steps will be taken to prevent such a devastating loss from occurring again.
The Leslie Police Department and Consumers Energy continue to actively investigate the incident. As the community awaits more details, hearts remain heavy with grief for the family of the 14-year-old boy and hopeful for the full recovery of his brave friend.