Father and two-year-old shocked by stadium light at park, report says

A 2-year-old was shocked at Riverside Park on Wednesday, according to a Columbia County incident report.
Published: Jun. 8, 2026 at 9:21 PM CDT|Updated: 2 hours ago

EVANS, Ga. (WRDW/Gray News) - Police say a father and his young son were shocked by a stadium light while out at a park.

The incident happened last week at Riverside Park in Evans around 9:47 p.m.

Officials say the pair were at the park during a youth baseball tournament.

According to a statement by the Columbia County Board of Commissioners, the incident occurred when a metal handhole cover at the base of a field light pole became energized. It was caused by an internal wire nut failure in the wiring of a security light mounted on the pole, according to officials.

The child was reportedly shocked after coming in contact with the light, and when the father grabbed his son, he was also shocked.

Both the father and son were okay after the incident, officials said.

According to the report, Columbia County maintenance responded and tested the access panel at the bottom of the pole, recording a 75-volt reading.

Columbia County firefighters taped off the pole, and the light was shut off, the department said.

An electrician was on scene the next morning and completed repairs to the light, according to Columbia County commissioners.

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