MASON, Mich — A tight-knit community in Leslie is grieving after a tragic accident claimed the life of a teenager and left another hospitalized. I spoke with neighbors and officials about how the town is coming together during this difficult time.
- A 14-year-old boy died and a 15-year-old boy remains hospitalized after being electrocuted Tuesday evening in Leslie.
- The incident occurred behind Worthington Apartments near Race Street when the teens came into contact with a live wire.
- Leslie Public Schools is providing counseling and support resources at all district schools for students affected by the tragedy.
Residents say the small town feels the impact deeply as everyone is connected in some way.
"I graduated from Leslie in '05," said David Wetoskey, a lifelong Leslie resident. "Everyone is either related or knows someone that knows someone else."
Wetoskey told me when tragedy strikes in Leslie, the entire community feels the impact.
"It's tough. You don't want to think about this sort of thing, but it can happen. Having to talk to my kids this morning, they all go to school together," Wetoskey said.
WATCH: Teen dies after electrical shock incident in Leslie
Wednesday morning, Leslie Police Chief Evan Bennehoff confirmed over the phone that a 14-year-old boy died after an electric shock incident Tuesday evening.
Bennehoff explained that two teenage boys were electrocuted behind Worthington Apartments near Race Street. He said when officers arrived on the scene, a preliminary investigation showed a downed wire had caused a small grass fire.
"The investigation shows that they found a piece of metal and somehow touched the electrical line with the metal and they were electrocuted," Bennehoff said.
Consumers Energy shut off power to the area as police investigated. Both teens were transported to the hospital, where one later died. Spokesperson Brian Wheeler says one of the victims made contact with a live wire that was above the ground, not a downed wire.
"We still have witnesses to talk to before we rule out anything else," Bennehoff said.
Leslie Public Schools Superintendent Scott Powers provided a statement: "We are deeply saddened by the events that occurred last evening and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected. We are ensuring that counseling and support resources are available at all district schools."
Wetoskey says he's prepared to help support the affected families.
"There is no fixing anything at this point, but we will do what we can," Wetoskey said.
WATCH: Here's what happens when you call 911
Police say the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Leslie Police Department.
Wheeler told FOX 47 News in part, "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."
They said they, "temporarily de-energized the electric circuit serving the area, affecting service to 488 customers. Our team was on site, investigating the situation."
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