Suit: Hot tub heat killed health club patron

The estate of an Alton man has filed suit against Metro Sports of Alton, claiming the man died Nov. 30 as a result of an overheated hot tub.

Julie Stamper, the daughter of Louis Stamper and administrator of the estate, claims the fitness club failed to maintain the tub, failed to provide supervision, failed to maintain the thermostat, failed to have adequate staff or supervisory personnel and allowed the tub to reach an excessive temperature.

The suit claims “excessive water temperature resulted in his death.”A coroner’s report said the temperature in the tub was 120 degrees, and Stamper’s internal temperature was 110 degrees. Several hot tub manufacturers recommend a temperature between 100 and 104 degrees.

An Alton police report said the personnel at Metro Sports said that Stamper was previously having dizzy spells and was told by his doctor not to drive. He would get to the club two or three times a week by taking a bus to a nearby stop, then walk the rest of the way.

Some manufacturers advise against people with heart conditions sitting in tubs with a temperature of 104 degrees or more.

The coroner’s report said there was evidence of Stamper having some form of a heart episode before his death. There was also evidence of drowning; therefore, he may have had a heart attack, causing him to fall forward and drown.

Another patron found Stamper face-down in the tub. He was apparently alone in the tub at the time he died.

The suit is asking at least $50,000 in damages for pain and suffering, mental anguish, grieve and sorrow, medical attention and funeral costs. The estate is represented by Gregory M. Tobin of East Alton.

The club management had no comment.