We keep glossing over the real issue. Why didn't they have a GFCI? That seems to be the common denominator in most electrocution stories.
Either the house didn't come with one and one was never installed, or:
"The GFCI keeps tripping when I plug in my 20 year old blow dryer!" "Must be something wrong with it, I'll get Joe-handy to put a normal outlet in..."
Ian A.