by San Jose, CA – A horrifying incident at a California hotel has led to the death of 72-year-old Marine veteran and grandfather Terril Johnson, who was fatally scalded after shower water temperature reportedly soared to an alarming 134 to 136 degrees Fahrenheit. The case, detailed in a wrongful death lawsuit, exposes grave safety violations and ignites urgent calls for hotel safety reforms.
Johnson had traveled to San Jose to celebrate a joyful family milestone—his granddaughter’s college graduation at San Jose State University. Instead, a tragic accident in his hotel room at the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites San Jose Airport turned the visit into a somber farewell.
Shocking Details of the Incident
According to the lawsuit filed on October 15, Terril Johnson was subjected to water temperatures far exceeding California’s legal limit of 120 degrees for individual showers. The extreme heat led to burns on more than 33% of his body, a condition the Santa Clara County medical examiner cited as the cause of death, termed severe scalding.
- Johnson arrived in San Jose on May 22 after a six-hour drive from Los Angeles.
- The water in his hotel shower reached between 134 and 136 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Family members found him unconscious and partially submerged, with the water so hot they risked burns trying to rescue him.
- During attempts at CPR, the family’s horror intensified as Johnson’s skin began peeling from his body.
Family Tragedy and Legal Claims
Family testimonies describe the traumatic experience, witnessed by Johnson’s son, daughter-in-law, and three granddaughters, who have since been deeply affected by the incident. The lawsuit accuses the hotel of gross negligence, highlighting a failure to maintain safe water temperatures compliant with California plumbing codes.
“This was not a freak accident. It was the direct result of Defendant’s gross negligence and failure to meet even basic safety obligations,” the suit states.
Paul Traina, attorney for the Johnson family, expressed the profound grief and the desire for accountability, emphasizing the preventable nature of this tragedy. He stated,
“As you can imagine, the entire Johnson family continues to suffer deeply from the tragic loss of Terril Johnson, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Their grief is compounded by the fact that Mr. Johnson was the beloved patriarch of the family, and that his death was the result of a preventable incident that should never have occurred. The family seeks justice for their loss and hopes that this case will lead to meaningful changes to prevent similar tragedies from happening to others in the future.”
Background on Terril Johnson
Terril Johnson was more than just a victim of this tragedy. An Indiana native and Vietnam Marine Corps veteran, he dedicated much of his life to public service as a senior lead technician at the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority. Married for 54 years to his high school sweetheart, Johnson leaves behind two children and four grandchildren.
What Happens Next?
The wrongful death lawsuit against the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites San Jose Airport not only seeks justice for the Johnson family but also raises broader concerns regarding hotel safety standards and regulatory enforcement. Neither Marriott Americas nor Marriott International have provided immediate public comments on the incident.
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This case highlights critical risks when safety protocols fail, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to building and plumbing codes to protect guests.
Key Points to Remember
- California law caps shower water temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scald injuries.
- Temperatures above 130 degrees can cause third-degree burns in seconds.
- Hotels must ensure compliance with safety regulations to protect guests from similar tragedies.
What do you think about this devastating incident and its implications for hotel safety? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
