Whittier Man, 24, Dies After Being Struck By Downed Power Line

WHITTIER (CBS) — A 24-year-old man struck by a downed power line in Whittier has died, a hospital official confirmed Sunday.

Joel Ramirez passed away after being electrocuted by a high voltage power line in his yard in the 1300 block of Mooreland Drive about 8 a.m. Saturday.

Edward Lawrence, reporting for CBS2 and KCAL9, said the weekend storm pulled the line loose from the Ramirez's home and started a fire on the roof.

While fighting the flames, the power line jumped from the roof and hit Ramirez, shocking him for several minutes and knocking him unconscious.

A 46-year-old woman, the victim's mother, ran to help but was shocked and thrown across the alley when she touched him.

She suffered only minor physical injuries.

CBS2's Stephanie Abrams spoke to devastated family members Sunday. They were too distraught to appear on camera.

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