by Evan Sernoffsky, kgw.com staff

Posted on August 8, 2013 at 1:52 PM

Updated today at 4:20 PM

LYONS, Ore. – A Lyons man was electrocuted Tuesday while trying to steal copper wire from a lumber mill that has not been operated for some time, deputies said.

Joe Harris, 36, reportedly broke into the former Young & Morgan Mill in Lyons to steal copper wire from an electrical panel board equipped with 480 volts, said Bruce Riley with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.

Harris' body was discovered badly burned 16 feet away from the panel with articles of his clothing found 30 feet away, Riley said.

Deputies learned that Hood Lumber employees discovered Harris’ body after smelling smoke around 10 a.m. Two hours later, after closer inspection, they found a small fire in the upstairs portion of the building.

After extinguishing the flames, the employees discovered the remains of Harris’ severely burned body.

Autopsy results confirm Harris died from injuries sustained in an explosion.

Submitted on 08/08/2013

Submitted by: Gene
Reference: http://www.kgw.com/news/Lyons-man-electrocuted-stealing-copper-wire-from-lumber-mill-218896011.html

Copyright © 2013 DarwinAwards.com

Bruce said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
When will these copper crooks ever learn? Thanks, Gene!

Candi said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
Apparently not. Thanks, Gene!

The Darwin Awards Gift Shop

The Darwin Awards Condom Keep yourself out of the gene pool! A condom in a matchbook, useful for emergency contraception, bachelor parties, frat parties, and important rites of passage. LOADED inside and out with funny quotes and stories. Everyone loves this item! Friends don't let friends reproduce! $13 for Pack of 4