Fatal Electrocution After Man Appears to Break Into York County Electric Box

A man died early Tuesday morning in York County after apparently electrocuting himself while attempting to steal copper wiring from an electrical substation. The incident, which caused a power outage, highlights the extreme dangers of tampering with high-voltage equipment.

The deceased has been identified as 48-year-old Phillip Thompson.

York Electric employees found Thompson unconscious and not breathing near an electric box on Dale Valley Circle in Clover. The box’s lock was cut, its lid open, and wires inside were burnt, suggesting forced entry.

The York County Coroner’s Office confirmed Thompson appeared to have been electrocuted. The Sheriff’s Office noted his actions at the box triggered a power outage.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the lethal risks associated with unauthorized entry into electrical facilities. Utility companies consistently warn against the immense voltage and other unseen dangers present in substations. Thompson’s death underscores the dire consequences of copper theft attempts and the critical importance of respecting electrical infrastructure.