Dad Who Wanted To Surprise His Daughters Dies After Falling From Roof While Putting Up Christmas Lights

A Wisconsin dad died in a freak accident after he fell from the roof of his home while putting up Christmas decorations.

Joe Cocco was rushed to the emergency room after he fell from the roof of his Wisconsin home in late November. The doctors who examined him determined that he suffered a broken neck.

The 31-year-old father-of-two had to undergo several surgeries after which doctors revealed that he is expected to be paralyzed from the neck down.

However, in the coming days, his condition began deteriorating and on Dec. 6, a family member shared that Cocco had passed away.

"Our hearts are stricken by the immensity of grief as we have lost an incredible husband, father, brother, son, and friend," the update in the GoFundMe says.

"Our families have gained another guardian angel to watch over us during this unimaginable time."

Speaking to WMBF news, Cocco's mother-in-law, Debbie Stewart, said that Cocco was planning to surprise his daughters by beautifying their house ahead of the festive season.

"Hailey [his wife] was inside decorating and he was outside getting the lights up so he could surprise the girls," Debbie said.

Hailey’s Sister Shayla Stewart said the tragedy has left the family blindsided.

"Hailey was hopeful in the beginning and so was Joe," Shayla said.

Cocco leaves behind his wife Hailey, 8-year-old daughter, Gentry, and his 8-week-old daughter, Blair, who will go through their first holiday season without him.

Prisma Health Orthopedic Surgeon Chris Mazoue said holiday decorating-related accidents like Cocco’s happen most frequently across the US this time of year.

"Especially if they reach too far out to put a star on the tree or light on the roof a little further away than needed to be," Mazoue said.

A similar incident was reported from Arlington when Mark Roath, an Air Force veteran, died after he fell off a ladder while hanging Christmas lights at his home.

Mark was reportedly standing on a ladder helping his son put up Christmas lights at his residence on Nov. 26, when he slipped and fell, suffering a fatal head injury.

When his wife, Tammy Roath came to check on them later that day, she found her husband lying in the driveway with his body twisted in the ladder and his head pressed against the pavement.

Tammy urged people to be careful while decorating their homes during the Yuletide and said them to make sure they have the right attire and tools while doing so.

"Don't do it alone. Have a ladder that is stable and secure," she said.