AN Alabama tourist allegedly died after contracting Legionnaires’ disease during a stay at two Las Vegas casino resorts.
The estate of Gary Curtis Jones claims he fell ill following a March 2023 work trip to the off-Strip properties.
A lawsuit alleges negligence after an Alabama tourist died from Legionnaires’ diseaseCredit: Alamy
The tourist’s estate claims he contracted the disease at two Las Vegas resorts.Credit: Alamy
His family is now suing, alleging negligence and wrongful death.
The lawsuit, filed in Clark County District Court on February 16, names South Point Hotel-Casino and The Grandview at Las Vegas, along with their holding companies.
The estate is seeking a jury trial on four counts of wrongful death and survival and gross negligence.
According to court documents cited by the Las Vegas Review-Journal , Jones stayed at the Grandview from March 12 to 16, 2023, before moving to South Point from March 16 to 17 while on a business trip.
Before traveling, Jones had been diagnosed with cancer but “was in good enough health to continue working,” the lawsuit states.
The complaint alleges Jones was exposed to Legionella bacteria at one of the properties and later developed Legionnaires’ disease – a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
After returning to Alabama, Jones reportedly began experiencing lethargy and extreme fatigue – described in the lawsuit as common early symptoms of infection.
His condition allegedly deteriorated rapidly.
By April 1, 2023, the disease “had progressed to the point where he could no longer complete full sentences,” the lawsuit said.
“Given his rapidly deteriorating condition, Curtis was immediately admitted to the intensive care unit with respiratory failure and severe sepsis caused by Legionnaires’ disease,” the lawsuit said.
“Doctors flushed ‘purulent, brown fluid’ from Curtis Jones’ lungs.”
Jones died from legionellosis on April 2, 2023, according to the complaint.
The lawsuit claims the Southern Nevada Health District later found Legionella present in South Point’s water system after his stay.
It alleges the resort’s potable water “had almost no chlorine” and that the property “failed to meet the standard of care for Legionella control.”
The complaint further claims South Point did not have a water management plan in place.
Grandview, meanwhile, was reportedly notified that Jones had contracted Legionnaires’ disease but allegedly denied he stayed there during the incubation period.
The lawsuit claims that was false, stating the Health District verified his stay through his employer, who booked the reservation.
However, water samples taken at Grandview between June 17, 2022, and July 11, 2023, were reportedly negative for Legionella, according to the complaint.
The lawsuit also points to what it describes as a troubling history at both resorts.
It claims a guest contracted Legionnaires’ disease around June 2022 after staying at Grandview, with testing allegedly revealing Legionella in its water systems.
Another investigation cited in the complaint states: “Environmental sampling received by SNHD on May 12, 2025, showed that 5 out of 17 water samples taken from Grandview were positive for Legionella and that there was no measurable chlorine in Grandview’s water systems.”
At South Point, the lawsuit alleges there were “numerous violations” from the Health District dating back to October 2020, including “water that was not maintained at temperatures sufficient to control Legionella proliferation.”
It also claims another guest contracted Legionnaires’ disease after a stay in October 2024, with subsequent investigations in 2024 and 2025 again reportedly revealing Legionella and no chlorine.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Legionnaires’ disease symptoms typically appear two to 14 days after exposure and can include headache, chills, breathing problems, stomach issues and confusion.
The bacteria grows in manmade water systems such as showerheads, faucets, hot tubs and large plumbing systems.
Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are said to be at higher risk.
Prompt antibiotic treatment is essential, and severe cases may require hospitalization. Complications can reportedly be life-threatening.
The Sun has contacted Grandview and South Point for comment.
Jones stayed at the Grandview resort (pictured) from March 12 to 16, 2023Credit: Alamy
He then moved to South Point (pictured) from March 16 to 17, 2023 while on a business tripCredit: Alamy
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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