HILDALE, Utah (News4Utah) – A 19-year-old autistic man has died after authorities said he climbed a transformer box and made contact with high voltage lines in Hildale Saturday afternoon.
In a press release issued by Hildale-Colorado City Fire Chief Kevin Barlow, emergency units responded to report of an electrocution on north Boxelder Street at 2:25 p.m.
Upon arrival they found out that an autistic male had somehow scaled the fence of a power substation yard and climbed on top of a large transformer box and made contact with high voltage wires. The young man was instantly electrocuted.
He has since been identified as Kyle Barlow. Kyle was just one day shy of his 20th birthday.
Chief Barlow said a power company lineman was on scene within minutes and opened the locked gates and began to shut down all electrical energy.
Kyle was pronounced dead at the scene. Fire department crews were able to use a ladder ramp to get him down from the transformer.
Barlow said Kyle had severe autism and is known to have no fear of heights or danger.
“He has scaled tall fences, climbed onto roofs, and climbed tall trees,” said Barlow. “His mother had stopped at a nearby business for a few minutes and he was gone from the vehicle when she returned. She called for assistance and soon found him within the fenced-in substation yard. Within seconds he had climbed the transformer.”
The electricity was off to both Hildale and Colorado City residents for about two hours while the incident was under investigation.
