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A 42-year-old man has died after apparently running into a high voltage cable while out jogging with friends.
James Kew was running through a field in Newport, Essex, on Monday night when he bumped into the low-hanging cable that was carrying around 11,000 volts.
Paramedics were unable to revive Mr Kew, who died instantly. Two other people suffered minor injuries.
Local authorities have launched a health and safety investigation into the incident.
Detective Inspector Stephen Jennings of Essex Police said: "We are investigating with the Health and Safety Executive and Fire Service to establish exactly how the man came into contact with the cable.
"This is a thankfully unusual event but it is obviously a tragedy for everybody involved."
Mr Kew, of Saffron Walden, was a member of local running club the Saffron Striders.
A statement posted on the club’s website reads: "It is with the deepest regret we have to announce the death of James Kew as a result of a tragic accident whilst out running.
"Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family at this very difficult time."
Though local reports suggested UK Power Networks had been informed of the low-hanging cable before Mr Kew's death, a spokesman for the company would not comment on the allegations.
However, the spokesman said the firm’s engineers were "currently helping with an investigation".
He added: "Our thoughts at this time are with the family and friends of a man who died and also our employees who helped at the scene."
Mr Kew was an experienced runner and is currently ranked first out of 58 in the Saffron Striders Championship 2012.
He also ran the London Marathon in three hours and five minutes.
