Family of electrocuted Palo Seco man: 'He was called to his death'

Relatives of Dale Williams want police to do an "intensive investigation" into his death at midmorning on Boxing Day at Palo Seco.

Williams, a 34-year-old security guard, was electrocuted at his home at Rifle Range Road when he touched a live electrical cable illegally connected to a Heritage Petroleum power supply.

A female relative, who requested anonymity, said Williams was "called to his death," from what the family was told.

"He was home alone sleeping, and a man started to cut grass in the yard. The man called him to move the wire," the relative said. "It seemed that by the man cut the wire while cutting grass and did not tell Dale.

"Some people do not want this information out because they feel it would cause problems. We are hoping for the truth. We want closure."

Williams was originally from New Grant, on the outskirts of Princes Town.

Relatives said he had lived with his common-law wife for the past nine years. They did not have any children.

When the family heard about the electrocution, they went to the house, but his body had already been removed. The relative believes the man cutting the grass had begun only minutes earlier, as only a small patch appeared to have been cut.

Comments from social media users further saddened the Williams family.

"He did not put any illegal connection (as some commentators said).

"He moved into the area. He was trying to improve his life and had plans to build a better house. I am not sure if he got through with a bank loan to do it.

"Dale had a soft heart, and people took advantage of him."

Hours after the death, Heritage issued a media statement saying it maintains field signage and has issued warning letters as it discourages people from engaging "in this risky practice." The company also expressed its deepest condolences to the Williams family.

An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday at the mortuary of the San Fernando General Hospital.

Santa Flora police are investigating.