Electrocution can be silent and sudden, leaving few external signs and limited clues without careful investigation.

This week on Pathology with Dr. Priya, a Zone 7 series, Sheryl McCollum and Dr. Priya Banerjee explain how electrical current travels through the body, why the heart can stop in an instant, and what pathologists look for at the entry and exit points of a shock.

They discuss real-world risks, from downed power lines to home repairs, and the safety measures that can prevent fatal accidents.

 

Highlights

• (0:00) Sheryl welcome listeners and introduces the topic of electrocution deaths

• (2:00) Entry and exit points: irregular burn and blister patterns on hands, feet, or other points of contact

• (3:30) How electrical current disrupts the heart’s rhythm and can lead to sudden death

• (6:00) Who is more vulnerable: pre-existing heart conditions and age can increase susceptibility to fatalarrhythmia

• (8:15) Storm damage, downed lines, and why no one should move live wires

• (10:45) “Weekend warrior” risks and everyday household hazards

• (15:15) What electrocution looks like internally: tissue damage, muscle breakdown, and organ findings

• (17:30) Seasonal reminders: holiday lights, wet environments, and the importance of hiring professionals forelectrical work

 

About the Hosts

Dr. Priya Banerjee is a board-certified forensic pathologist with extensive experience in death investigation, clinical forensics, and courtroom testimony.

A graduate of Johns Hopkins, she served for over a decade as Rhode Island’s state medical examiner and now runs a private forensic pathology practice. Her work includes military deaths, and high-profile investigations.

Dr. Priya has also been featured as a forensic expert on platforms such as CrimeOnline and Crime Stories with Nancy Grace. She is a dedicated educator, animal lover, and proud mom.

Website: anchorforensicpathology.com

Twitter/X: @Autopsy_MD

Sheryl McCollum is an Emmy Award–winning CSI, a writer for CrimeOnline, and the Forensic and Crime Scene Expert for Crime Stories with Nancy Grace. She works as a CSI for a metro Atlanta Police Department and is the co-author of the textbook, "Cold Case: Pathways to Justice."

Sheryl is also the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute (CCIRI), a nationally recognized nonprofit that brings together universities, law enforcement, and experts to help solve unsolved homicides, missing persons cases, and kidnappings.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter/X: @149zone7

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

 

If this episode provided clarity on electrocution deaths and scene safety, share it with a friend and leave areview. Your support helps others discover the science, the stories, and the heart behind Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.