U.S. contractor electrocuted in shower in Iraq [View All]

[IDemo]

Source: Associated Press

Wiring problems have been blamed for the deaths of American troops

updated 1 hour, 6 minutes ago

WASHINGTON - A State Department contractor apparently has been electrocuted while showering in Baghdad even as U.S. authorities in Iraq try to remedy wiring problems that have led to the deaths of American troops there.

The contractor, Adam Hermanson, 25, died Sept. 1, his wife, Janine, said Tuesday. She added that a military medical examiner told her that preliminary findings indicate her husband died from low voltage electrocution.

At least three troops have been electrocuted in the shower since the start of the Iraq War, while others have been electrocuted under other circumstances such as while operating a power washer. Inspections and repairs are under way at 90,000 U.S.-maintained structures there.

Hermanson grew up in San Diego and Las Vegas. He joined the military at age 17, and did three tours in Iraq with the Air Force before leaving at the rank of staff sergeant. He returned to Iraq as an employee of private contractor Triple Canopy, based in Herndon, Va.

Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32746329/ns/world_news-conflict_in_iraq/