A man was lounging in the steam room at a Colorado Springs gym in 2023 when a broken steamer spout exploded, burning almost a third of his body and ultimately killing him, according to a lawsuit. The wrongful-death lawsuit brought against 24 Hour Fitness by the man’s family alleges the gym knew the spout was malfunctioning before the explosion that landed David Diaz in the hospital, where he spent more than $900,000 on medical care that failed to save his life. “24 Hour Fitness knew or should have known that these acts were dangerous, done heedlessly and recklessly, without regard to the consequences, or the rights and safety of others, particularly Mr. Diaz, and that the acts posed a strong probability of injury,” the lawsuit says. The company declined to comment on the lawsuit in an email to the Post. Diaz visited the gym at 1892 Southgate Road on Jan. 13, 2023. When he entered the steam room, hot steam erupted from the broken spout, scalding the front of Diaz’s body and causing him to fall to the ground. His mouth, throat, arms and torso were burned and blistering when he was seen by emergency-room doctors that day. Diaz’s organs began to shut down as the burns became infected, and 11 days after the explosion, he was pronounced dead. Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Justice Department investigating Douglas County School District’s response to racial discrimination, bullying of students Crime and Public Safety | Why did federal agents seize — and then return — $5 million worth of switchblades from a Colorado man? Crime and Public Safety | Free Land Holders file rambling response to lawsuit seeking to bar group from seizing public lands in Colorado Crime and Public Safety | Colorado, Justice Department add Greystar, Cortland and other large landlords to apartment price-fixing suit Crime and Public Safety | Judge: Castle Pines can’t stop Brinkerhoff restaurant from using hummingbirds Diaz’s family members are seeking an unspecified amount in damages from the gym, which they also accuse of gross negligence. The lawsuit was filed Thursday in El Paso County District Court. Sign up to get crime news sent straight to your inbox each day.