‘Tragic’ Couple Electrocuted To Death Using Dangerous Tiktok Viral Art Technique

Tanya Rodriguez, 44, and James Carolfi, 52, were creating art in their garage when the high-voltage technique backfired and killed them both before setting their house on fire.

A couple electrocuted themselves to death in a “tragic” accident while using a dangerous art technique that has gone viral on Tiktok, police have said.

Tanya Rodriguez, 44, and James Carolfi, 52, were using a method known as fractal wood burning, where high-voltage electricity is used to create a pattern on chemical-soaked wood.

But as they tried to use the technique on April 6, the couple were electrocuted to death before their garage burst into flames and spread to the rest of the house, officials said at a press conference. hurry.

The horrific incident even prompted police to launch a murder investigation, as emergency crews suspected ‘foul play’ when they arrived at the scene.

But thanks to a forensic examination, Deputy Sheriff Chad Billeb, in Wisconsin, USA, said he was able to determine the couple had been killed before the fire started.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday April 21, he said: “Due to the nature of this incident and the extensive damage caused by the fire, it was incredibly difficult to determine the cause of death and the series of events. .

“Foul play has been ruled out and the deaths are believed to be accidental in nature.”

Mr. Billeb offered his sincere condolences to the families of the victims while urging community members on the dangers of the art technique.

Fractal wood burning has become a popular art method to try thanks to social media sites such as Tiktok, but many have warned of the associated dangers.

At least 33 people have died from fractal burns, according to the American Association of Woodturners.

In 2017, the AAW’s safety committee banned fractal burning after a Washington state woodworker was allegedly killed while trying to use the technique, reports CBS News.

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