A Texas couple’s dream vacation turned into a nightmare when they were electrocuted in a hot tub at a Mexican resort, leaving the husband dead and the wife severely injured. Lizette Zambrano, the surviving spouse, is now suing the resort for wrongful death, alleging faulty wiring.
The tragic incident occurred in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico, where Lizette and her husband, Jorge, were enjoying a relaxing getaway. In an exclusive interview with ABC News, a tearful Lizette recounted the horrifying moments leading up to the electrocution. She described feeling multiple electric shocks and hearing her husband’s last words, “Oh s—,” before he was fatally electrocuted.
Lizette Zambrano speaks to “Good Morning America” about the tragic incident that took her husband’s life. (ABC News)
Lawsuit Alleges Negligence and Faulty Wiring
Zambrano’s lawsuit alleges that faulty wiring sent a live current into the hot tub water, leading to the electrocution. The suit also claims that bystanders’ attempts to rescue the couple were hindered because the electrical current traveled through metal objects they were carrying. Lizette herself was pulled from the hot tub without a pulse but was revived through CPR and medically evacuated.
The lawsuit seeks $1 million in damages from Casago, the vacation rental facilitator. It contends that Jorge was submerged and electrocuted for 10 minutes and that no emergency shut-off for the jacuzzi was engaged. Casago denies responsibility, stating that the homeowner’s association, not the rental company, is responsible for maintaining common areas like the hot tub.
Resort Denies Responsibility, Homeowners Association Remains Silent
Casago maintains that as a vacation rental company, it has no involvement in the management or upkeep of the resort. The company points to the homeowner’s association as the entity responsible for the maintenance of the pool, hot tubs, and surrounding areas. ABC News reached out to the homeowner’s association for comment but has not yet received a response. Zambrano’s lawyer questions the resort’s safety protocols and procedures, emphasizing the need for accountability in this tragic incident.
Safety Precautions for Hot Tubs and Pools
While electrical accidents in hot tubs and pools are rare, experts advise immediate action if you suspect electrocution. Move away from the suspected source of the current and exit the water without touching metal objects, such as railings or ladders, which can conduct electricity.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures in recreational water areas.
Seeking Justice and Accountability
Lizette Zambrano’s lawsuit and public statements highlight a devastating loss and raise concerns about safety standards at vacation resorts. The legal proceedings will likely delve into the responsibilities of the various parties involved, including the resort management, the homeowner’s association, and the vacation rental company. As the case unfolds, it underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of guests at vacation destinations. The tragic death of Jorge Zambrano serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers lurking beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic settings.
