TOLEDO, Ohio — A tragedy in east Toledo has left a community grieving the loss of 17-year-old Olivia Bright, who police believe was electrocuted after coming into contact with apparently faulty wiring near her home. The incident occurred Sunday night as heavy rains soaked the area, potentially contributing to the fatal circumstances.
According to police reports, first responders were called to the 800 block of Oak Street around 9 p.m. on Aug. 18 following reports of a cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, they found Olivia Bright seriously injured, having suffered an electric shock. Detectives believe she was electrocuted while entering a camper on her property, barefoot, after rainwater had soaked the ground. Despite immediate medical attention, Olivia was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The camper, which was unplugged at the time of the incident, showed no signs of charring, leading investigators to conclude that the soaked ground and faulty wiring were the likely culprits. However, Olivia’s family contests this, believing she may have passed due to congestive heart failure, as she had been on medication for high blood pressure but was not taking it consistently.
As the community mourns, Olivia's family remembers her as a vibrant young woman who cherished life. Her sister, Kelly Perry, expressed the deep sorrow the family feels, especially after losing another sibling in 2019.
"It's hard because we lost my brother in 2019. He was 11. And now I'm losing my sister at 17," Perry shared, adding that Olivia would have wanted them to focus on the good and appreciate one another.
Perry said losing another sibling has devastated her family.
However, she said Olivia would've wanted them to focus on the good, and appreciate one another.
"Family is everything. Kids are everything," Perry said. "We have to move forward and live the life Olivia — Livvy — always wanted everyone to live, and not cry, but be happy, joking."
Their mother, Kimberly Bright, said that another loss has been devastating and she is considering selling their home to move on.
"I can't do it, it's too depressing for me. I love my kids, I love my grandkids. They are all I have," she said, reflecting on the joy Olivia brought to their lives despite the challenges.
"All I know is that my daughter was very happy and go-lucky. She may have her big (good) points, and she may have her bad points, but everybody knows her," Kimberly added.
The Lucas County Coroner's Office has not yet confirmed the exact cause of death, and the investigation remains ongoing. More details will be shared as they become available.