Pastor electrocuted during baptism [Texas]

Sydney Morning Herald ^ | October 31, 2005 | AP

[aculeus]

A US pastor performing a baptism was electrocuted inside his Texas church when he grabbed a microphone while partially submerged, a church employee said.

The Reverend Kyle Lake, 33, was standing in water up to his shoulder in a baptismal in front of 800 people at University Baptist Church when he was electrocuted yesterday, said Jamie Dudley, a church business administrator.

Doctors in the congregation unsuccessfully performed chest compressions for 40 minutes, Dudley said.

The woman Lake was baptising was not injured, Dudley said.

Pastors at University Baptist Church routinely use a microphone during baptisms, Dudley said.

"He was grabbing the microphone so everyone could hear," Dudley said.

"It's the only way you can be loud enough."

About 800 people attended the morning service, which was larger than normal because it was homecoming weekend at nearby Baylor University, Dudley said.

Lake, who had a wife and three children, had been at the church for nine years, the last seven as pastor, Dudley said.

AP

[Issaquahking]

Any members of the cloth, please heed this! As an electrician of thirty years, I cannot begin to explain how dangerous 110 AC power can be. please buy the battery set-ups, we don't need people here to do the Lord's work, going home early.

[Americanwolf]

"I have to ask. What was your question?"

That is probably what got the post pulled before :)

[netmilsmom]

Love your tagline!

"To Serve Man" right?

[Mr. Mojo]

I think I'll hold the jokes on this one.

I hear ya -- Darwin will just have to sit this one out.

[LibertarianInExile]

I have to tell you that pun is truly wrong. Making fun of the way this poor minister died in this way is about the saddest thing I can imagine. Can you possibly be any more insensitive in your post about this death, punning like that? After all, he had family, and I'm sure they are all freepers. And I'm sure they are all mourning him by coming on FR the day he died and looking around for articles about that death and see your pun. And I'm sure they are hurt and disappointed that a total stranger might look at this death and think that it's absurd that this would happen and crack wise at it with such a lousy pun. Frankly, I would be ashamed if I were you, posting that pun.

Because there are much better puns. For example, you should start by making mention of the fact that this is posted in the wrong place. After all, this story deals with current events.

[neodad]

Why is this considered news in Sydney Australia? I'm assuming that this was in Waco at University Baptist.

[Americanwolfsbrother]

Does this mean he zotted himself?AWB

[Americanwolf]

Best work up to an excellent pun ever!!!!!!! :)

That was indeed good!

[SIDENET]

"To Serve Man" right?

Yes it is. It's my favorite Twilight Zone episode.

:-)

[WildTurkey]

That is probably what got the post pulled before :)

Someone ranted on the original poster (who made no comments, only posted the story) and then a party un-named really let loose against the ranter with his own rant.

[WildTurkey]

</sarcasm>

[GnuHere]

3 kids = no Darwin award, jerk.

[Drago]

Musician electrical safety:

http://www.guitarnuts.com/technical/electrical/safety/index.php

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

I have watched pastors do this myself. How sad. Prayers for the family and the church.

[auggy]

Lack of common sense is the cause. No way would I ever grab hold of a metal object that was plugged into the wall, while I am standing in shoulder deep water.

It's sad for his family.

[DJ Taylor]

"Seriously though, he's in a better place."

A better place than Texas? No way!

[Dr. Scarpetta]

This is unbelievable.

[McLynnan]

Yes, there's a University Baptist Church near the Baylor campus in Waco.

[manwiththehands]

"Some people just deal with tragedy with humor."

It's normal. It's called "gallows humor" and some of us are OK with it.

[Revolting cat!]

Ah, the dangers of show business!