Texas Couple Electrocuted in Jacuzzi at Mexico Resort

A Texas couple’s dream vacation turned into a nightmare when they were electrocuted in a hot tub at a private resort in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico. Jorge Guillen, 43, tragically lost his life, while his wife, Lizette Zambrano, 35, was rushed to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. According to the Daily Mail, the couple, hailing from El Paso, Texas, were enjoying a relaxing evening in the jacuzzi at the Sonoran Sea Resort just after 8 pm on Tuesday when disaster struck. The resort is around 5 hours from Arizona. Last June in Phoenix, another man died from an electrocution while he was repairing a hot tub in a fitness center. According to officials from the State of Sonora, it is believed that a surge of electricity ran through the hot tub while the couple was using it around 8 pm Tuesday, leading to the fatal electrocution of Jorge and leaving Lizette in critical condition. Eyewitnesses at the scene reported noticing the couple unresponsive in the jacuzzi. One witness even attempted to enter the hot tub to help but was shocked upon contact with the water. The horrifying aftermath of the incident was captured in a video that has since gone viral on social media, showing people gathering around the jacuzzi, with onlookers screaming for help as his submerged body floated in the water.

Ongoing Investigation Into Fatal Accident

The attorney general’s office for the state of Sonora stated that investigators would work to “determine the origin of the electrical failure.” Searching for any prior incidents like this at the resort did not yield any evidence that this had happened before at the Sonoran Sea Resort. A thorough investigation into the cause of the accident will reveal whether the hotel is liable for negligence and determine what exactly caused the hot tub to malfunction. According to the resort’s website, the swim areas don’t have a lifeguard on duty. However, a lifeguard could have done little to prevent the accident since the jacuzzi was too dangerous to enter.

Legal Implications For Property Owners

Legally, the resort could potentially face liability if it is determined that negligence contributed to the electrocution incident. This could be in the form of improper maintenance of electrical systems, lack of safety inspections, or failure to address known hazards. A thorough investigation would be needed to establish fault. If the resort is found liable, it could face lawsuits from the victims’ families seeking damages for wrongful death, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. They may also be subject to fines or penalties from Mexican regulatory authorities. The resort likely has insurance to cover some accidents and injuries as a business. However, the extent of their coverage and whether it would apply in this case are unknown for now. Resorts are legally obligated to provide reasonably safe premises and protect guests from foreseeable dangers, including hazards like faulty electrical systems that could cause electrocution. This duty is “non-delegable,” meaning the resort is responsible even if they hire contractors. As a California personal injury attorney, I believe incidents like these are a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures and proper maintenance at resorts and recreational facilities. In the wake of this tragedy, the authorities must thoroughly investigate the cause of the electrical surge and determine if the resort’s negligence contributed to the incident.  If it is determined that the resort neglected to keep its visitors safe, the Guillen-Zambrano family members’ losses may be the resort’s responsibility. Our hearts go out to the loved ones of Jorge Guillen and Lizette Zambrano during this unimaginably difficult time. As Lizette continues to fight for her life in the hospital, friends of the couple have set up a GoFundMe page to help with her medical expenses and to bring Jorge’s body back home to the United States. Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13525425/tourist-dies-jacuzzi-resort-electrocuted-burns.html Image Source: Family’s GoFundMe