The unfortunate man died after five months of treatment, including multiple skin grafts and treatment for other medical complications related to the accident.
The heartbreaking incident occurred on November 19, 2021, when Mr. Chronis was on a business trip and staying at the Econo Lodge hotel in Erlanger, Kentucky (USA).
According to the two colleagues who accompanied him, right after Mr. Chronis entered the bathroom, they heard his loud, painful screams. Sensing something was wrong, they immediately broke down the bathroom door and went in to check, only to see a horrifying scene.
Man tragically dies due to shower malfunction
After the bathroom door opened, two colleagues found Mr. Chronis lying on the floor. It is known that when Mr. Chronis entered the bathroom, the shower suddenly malfunctioned and continuously sprayed out a stream of scalding hot water, estimated to be up to 65 degrees Celsius. It was this sudden stream of hot water that caused Mr. Chronis to be severely burned and fall to the floor.
Two colleagues heard the strange noise and quickly ran into the bathroom and took Mr. Chronis out.
“He just walked in and was almost immediately doused with scalding hot water, the hot water caused him to fall to the floor of the bathtub and continued to burn Chronis ,” said a colleague.
After being taken to Miami Valley Hospital for treatment, Mr. Chronis spent five months in the hospital, including multiple skin grafts and treatment for other medical complications related to the accident.
Chronis’ health condition deteriorated after he was transferred to a rehabilitation facility in Knoxville in April 2022. In June 2022, Chronis breathed his last at another hospital.
Alex Chronis, 76, tragically passed away on June 19, 2022 after being scalded by 65-degree hot water at the Econo Lodge in Erlanger, Kentucky on November 19, 2021. Photo: Daily Mail
The Chronis family filed a lawsuit against Sanjay Patel, owner of the Econo Lodge, and Aspyn, LLC, the hotel operator, alleging “lack of inspection and maintenance” that made the hotel room “unsafe for guest use.” The plaintiffs allege the incident was caused by “defective faucets/fixtures and valves.”
“His death was due to complications from severe burns, which were entirely preventable if the hotel management had put in place procedures to ensure the safety of its guests,” attorney Jeff Blankenship, who represents the victim’s family, told Law & Crime.
A Kenton County jury agreed with the above allegations and found Mr. Patel and Aspyn, LLC liable. The total compensation that Mr. Chronis’ family received was $2,037,545 (About more than 51 billion VND), including $1,271,486 for medical expenses, $250,000 for Chronis’ physical and mental pain and suffering, $500,000 in compensatory damages and $16,058 for funeral expenses. On July 11, Mr. Chronis’ family received this compensation.
Econo Lodge Hotel in Erlanger, Kentucky. Photo: Daily Mail
A private funeral was held for Chronis. “We think of him very much and will miss him very much ,” a relative wrote in the obituary.
This heartbreaking incident is a wake-up call and a reminder for many people to regularly check their home appliances. Because sometimes just a few small mistakes can lead to unpredictable consequences. Many people have left condolences to the Chronis family:
“The family finally received compensation, but it did not make up for the loss.”
