California Grandfather, 72, Dies in Scalding Hotel Shower

URGENT UPDATE: A devastating lawsuit has emerged following the tragic death of Terril Johnson, a 72-year-old grandfather who died after being scalded in a hotel shower, with water temperatures reportedly reaching 136 degrees Fahrenheit. The incident occurred at the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites San Jose Airport on May 22, 2023, just hours before he was set to celebrate his granddaughter’s graduation from San Jose State University.

Family members filed the lawsuit in Santa Clara County Superior Court, alleging gross negligence on the part of the hotel. According to court documents, Johnson was found unresponsive in the bathtub by his grandson, who described the horrifying scene: water was so hot that the family struggled to pull him out, witnessing his skin peel away as they attempted life-saving measures.

The family was in San Jose for a special occasion, but the day turned tragic. Johnson’s son, daughter-in-law, and three granddaughters were present in the hotel room when the incident occurred. The Santa Clara County medical examiner confirmed that Johnson suffered burns covering more than 33% of his body, leading to his untimely death.

According to the lawsuit, California plumbing codes dictate that shower water temperatures must not exceed 120 degrees. However, the water from the hotel shower was allegedly measured at a dangerous 134 to 136 degrees. “This was not a freak accident,” court documents state, highlighting the hotel’s failure to meet basic safety obligations.

Terril Johnson, a Vietnam War veteran and former senior lead technician at the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority, had recently retired and was married to his high school sweetheart for 54 years. His family described him as a dedicated grandfather to four grandchildren, including the granddaughter whose graduation he was excited to attend.

As this tragic story unfolds, the family seeks justice for their loss, and the implications for hotel safety standards are increasingly under scrutiny. The hotel has not responded to media inquiries about the incident.

This heartbreaking case underscores the urgent need for stricter safety regulations in hotels to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. Stay tuned for further developments as this story continues to evolve.