I agree. I got zapped off the old tube type tv sets many times as a child, and being a farmer, I get zapped off my electric fences at least 5 times a year. A person dying from this either has a weak heart, or as you said, the power was on.
Unplug the device (always do that with anything). Then place a screwdriver with a well insulated handle across the cap, and proceed. I learned to do the same thing with tv sets. There's no sense instilling fear in people. Besides, we have the Bush administration to instill fear in us now. Thats their job. They'll probably tell you the microwave repairman is a terrorist, if you ask them....