Urgent Lawsuit Claims Grandfather, 72, “Boiled Alive” in Hotel Shower

UPDATE: A shocking lawsuit filed in Santa Clara County Superior Court reveals that 72-year-old Terril Johnson died after being exposed to scalding water in a hotel shower, with temperatures reaching up to 136 degrees Fahrenheit. This devastating incident occurred at the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites San Jose Airport on May 22, 2023, just hours before Johnson was to attend his granddaughter’s graduation from San Jose State University.

Family members allege that the extreme heat from the shower “effectively boiled him alive.” Johnson’s grandson discovered him unresponsive and partially submerged in the bathtub, where the water was so hot that family members struggled to retrieve him. Court documents describe the horrifying scene where they were “forced to watch in horror as his skin peeled away from his body” while attempting to perform life-saving measures.

According to the Santa Clara County medical examiner, Johnson suffered burns covering more than 33% of his body, leading to his tragic death. The lawsuit claims that the hotel failed to adhere to California plumbing codes, which dictate that shower temperatures should not exceed 120 degrees. Instead, the water temperature was reported at between 134 and 136 degrees.

“This was not a freak accident,” the lawsuit states, asserting that the hotel’s gross negligence caused this horrific incident. Johnson, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, served in Vietnam and had recently retired after a long career at the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority. He leaves behind a loving family, including two children and four grandchildren.

The hotel has not publicly commented on the allegations, and the family is seeking justice for their loss. This tragic case highlights critical safety concerns regarding hotel facilities and the responsibilities of hospitality establishments to ensure the well-being of their guests.

As this lawsuit unfolds, the Johnson family is left grappling with the profound grief of losing a cherished family member under such horrifying circumstances. Authorities and safety regulators are now under pressure to investigate this incident, raising questions about hotel safety standards nationwide.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as we follow the legal proceedings and their implications for hospitality safety regulations.