The pair were experimenting with fractal wood burning
A couple have been killed after attempting a dangerous TikTok art technique.
Wisconsin couple Tanya Rodriguez, 44, and James Carolfi, 52, were killed whilst attempting a method known as fractal wood burning. This involves using electricity to burn a pattern into chemical-soaked wood.
But the pair were electrocuted whilst attempting the trend on April 6, with their garage then going up in flames, WSAW reports.
Sheriff Deputy Chad Billeb said that after forensic examination police were able to determine that the couple had been killed before the fire started.
There had initially been suspicions that there deaths were a result of “foul play.”
At a press conference on Thursday (April 21), he said: “Due to the nature of this incident and the substantial damage caused by the fire, it was incredibly difficult to determine the causes of death and series of events.
“Foul play has been ruled out and the deaths are believed to be accidental in nature.”
He offered his condolences to the families of the victims and warned others about the dangers of the technique.
“The fractal burning process typically uses a high voltage transformer, often repurposed from a microwave oven,” Deputy Chad Billeb said. “This process is highly dangerous and should only be done by trained professionals.”
Videos of people carrying out fractal wood burning have racked up millions of views on TikTok, but dozens of people have been killed whilst attempting the dangerous technique.
@bruceburnswoodshop Burning another board #woodworker #finewoodworking #charcuterieboard #charcuterie #epoxyresin #epoxyart #resinart #resin #satisfying #asmr ♬ original sound – Trevor Bruce
According to the American Association of Woodturners, 33 people have died as a result of fractal wood burning.
The group says it has banned the practice at its events and refuses to publish any articles about the technique in its publications.
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