San Jose, CA – The family of a 77-year-old California man who died after suffering third-degree burns on over 30% of his body is suing a Fairfield Inn & Suites hotel near the San Jose Airport, alleging that dangerously overheated water caused his death. The tragic incident occurred the night before he planned to see his granddaughter graduate from college.
The Incident: Grandfather Found ‘Boiled Alive’ in Hotel Shower
According to the wrongful death lawsuit filed in Santa Clara County Superior Court, Terril Johnson, 77, had traveled from Los Angeles to San Jose on May 22 to attend his granddaughter’s graduation from San Jose State University. He checked into the Fairfield Inn & Suites, a hotel operated by Marriott International, and took a shower in his room that evening.
The lawsuit alleges that the water temperature in the shower was so hot that Johnson was “effectively boiled alive.” His grandson, who was traveling with him, later discovered him unresponsive and partially submerged in the scalding water.
“The water was so dangerously hot they could not initially lift him from the tub,” the lawsuit states. “As they struggled desperately to save him, they were forced to watch in horror as his skin peeled away from his body.”
First responders pronounced Johnson dead at the scene. An autopsy later determined that he had died from severe scalding burns covering nearly one-third of his body. The report also cited his high blood pressure as a contributing factor.
Investigation and Evidence from the Lawsuit
The lawsuit filed on October 15, 2025, accuses Marriott International and the hotel management of gross negligence, alleging that the facility failed to ensure the safety of guests by maintaining safe water temperatures.
According to the complaint, investigators determined that the shower water temperature reached 135°F, far exceeding the 120°F maximum permitted under California’s Plumbing Code. Temperatures above 130°F can cause third-degree burns within seconds, according to safety standards cited in the filing.
The lawsuit further states that Johnson’s family members were unable to touch him when they found him because the water was still scalding hot, causing burns to anyone who made contact.
It remains unclear how long Johnson was in the shower before being discovered. The family believes he had entered the bathroom only minutes before the fatal accident.
Court Proceedings and Allegations Against the Hotel
The Johnson family, including his widow of 54 years, is suing Marriott International for wrongful death and emotional distress. Attorneys for the family argue that the incident was not a freak accident but a preventable tragedy caused by the hotel’s failure to monitor and regulate water temperature controls.
“This was not a freak accident; it was the direct result of Defendants’ gross negligence and failure to meet even basic safety obligations,” the lawsuit states.
As of now, Marriott International has not publicly commented on the case. The company is expected to respond once the court officially serves the complaint.
Legal experts note that this lawsuit could test hotel industry liability standards, as California’s strict building and plumbing codes are designed specifically to prevent scalding injuries and ensure guest safety.
Family’s Response and Emotional Toll
The incident has devastated Johnson’s family, who had gathered in San Jose to celebrate his granddaughter’s academic milestone. The family says that instead of attending a college graduation, they were left to plan a funeral.
Relatives described Johnson as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who had been in good health before the incident. His widow, married to him for more than five decades, said she was “heartbroken and haunted” by the way he died.
The lawsuit also seeks compensation for the emotional trauma suffered by family members who witnessed his injuries firsthand and tried unsuccessfully to save him.
Background and Legal Context
Under California law, hotels and property owners have a duty of care to maintain facilities that are safe for guests, including adherence to state plumbing and temperature regulations. Water temperatures exceeding 120°F can cause burns in less than a minute, while temperatures near 135°F—as alleged in this case—can cause irreversible tissue damage in under 10 seconds.
Hotel safety experts note that water heaters and mixing valves must be properly calibrated to prevent such risks. The lawsuit argues that the hotel either failed to inspect its water systems or ignored warning signs about malfunctioning temperature controls.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
The Santa Clara County Superior Court has scheduled an initial case management hearing for later this year. Attorneys representing the Johnson family say they intend to subpoena maintenance logs, inspection reports, and temperature control records from the hotel to establish a pattern of negligence.
If the court finds evidence of systemic issues, Marriott International could face significant financial penalties and regulatory scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the Johnson family is calling for stricter enforcement of safety codes in hotels across California to prevent similar tragedies.
Conclusion
The death of Terril Johnson has raised serious questions about hotel safety standards and corporate accountability in the hospitality industry. As his family pursues justice through the courts, they hope their lawsuit will lead to reforms ensuring that no other guest suffers such a horrific fate.
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