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HILDALE, Washington County — An 19-year-old man with severe autism died Saturday afternoon after he climbed on a transformer box in a power substation yard and was electrocuted, officials said.
Emergency crews responded to an electrocution report on North Boxelder Street about 2:25 p.m., according to a news release from Hildale-Colorado City Fire Chief Kevin Barlow.
First responders found the man who had scaled the fence of substation yard and climbed on a large transformer box. Upon making contact with high voltage wires, the man was instantly electrocuted, Barlow said.
He was days shy of turning 20.
A power lineman arrived at the scene within minutes of the rescue crews and shut off all electrical energy in the area for safety reasons.
Once all power lines were de-energized and grounded, crews were able to slide the body down from the transformer box using a ladder ramp.
The man, who officials did not identify Saturday, had severe autism and was known to not fear heights or danger, Barlow said.
“He has scaled tall fences, climbed onto roofs, and climbed tall trees,” he said.
Prior to the incident, the man was with his mother, who had stopped at a nearby business for a few minutes while he waited in the car. When she returned to the vehicle, the man was gone, Barlow said.
The man’s mother called for help before she located him within the fenced-in substation yard. The man climbed the transformer box within seconds, she told authorities.
Officials shut off the electricity in both Hildale and Colorado City for about 2 hours while they investigated. It has since been restored.
Editor's Note: KSL.com initially reported that Kyle Barlow was 18-years-old and just days away from his 19th birthday when he died, according to information from officials. This article reflects that he was actually 19 years old.
