NEWS

Brevard man electrocuted at HGTV Dream Home identified

J.D. Gallop
FLORIDA TODAY
James Sands.

A man who was electrocuted while working on renovations at a Merritt Island house selected as HGTV's Dream Home has been identified, according to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office.

James Sands, 37, was electrocuted while working on a dock at the home around 2 p.m. on Monday. The sheriff's office said the electrocution was accidental in nature.

Sands was from Melbourne.

Sands was an electrical worker and was helping renovate the home at 180 Utopia Circle. He fell off the dock and into the Indian River Lagoon after being electrocuted.

Brevard County Fire Rescue crews worked to resuscitate him on the way to Cape Canaveral Hospital, but he was pronounced dead by a doctor upon arrival.

The home was chosen as part of the show's 20th annual design project and remodeling effort and construction began last May. A national contest to determine who will win the home — located along one of Brevard County's most desirable real estate locations — will take place later this year.

"Everybody at HGTV is greatly saddened by this distressing news, and all of our thoughts are with the bereaved family at this incredibly difficult time," HGTV officials said in a statement.

HGTV to feature, remodel Merritt Island home