A fatal nitrogen leak resulted in a cryotherapy death during a session at a gym in Paris. One woman died and another was declared brain dead, prompting a criminal investigation. The fatal incident renewed concerns over the safety of the popular cold therapy.

The incident occurred on the evening of April 14 at the On Air gym on Voltaire Boulevard.

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Tragic Cryotherapy Incident 

According to French investigators, a nitrogen leak in the cryotherapy chamber poisoned both a gym employee in her late 20s and a female client in her 30s.

The employee died on the scene, and the client was rushed to Lariboisière Hospital, where she was later declared brain dead on April 17.

Ongoing Investigation

The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed an investigation into the cause of death had been launched, stating:

“An autopsy and toxicological analyses have been ordered to determine the precise cause of death, which is believed to have occurred during a cryotherapy session.”

An autopsy revealed the gym employee died of suffocation due to a lack of oxygen, likely caused by the nitrogen leak.

Three other individuals who attempted to administer aid were also treated for exposure. Screens were placed outside the gym as authorities managed the aftermath, and the gym was evacuated with around 150 people inside at the time.

What Happened Inside the Cryochamber?

Though the exact sequence of events has not yet been officially released, autopsy results suggest both women suffocated inside the chamber. It is believed that liquid nitrogen leaked into the cryotherapy room, displaced the oxygen, and caused asphyxiation.

Nitrogen, a colorless and odorless gas, makes up about 80% of the air we breathe. While harmless when properly used, in confined spaces, an unchecked nitrogen leak can rapidly displace oxygen, leading to unconsciousness and death within minutes.

“It's a stupid accident with terrible consequences. It's infinitely sad. Losing your life for a cryotherapy session is tragic,” said François Vauglin, the Socialist mayor of the 11th arrondissement.

“This type of treatment is not trivial,” Vauglin emphasized.

Cryotherapy: Popular but Controversial

Whole-body cryotherapy involves exposing the body to extremely low temperatures—often below -148°F (-100°C)—for up to three minutes. 

Proponents claim it helps with inflammation, muscle soreness, skin conditions, stress, and boosts the immune system. On Air gym had advertised these benefits on social media and promoted cryotherapy as a wellness solution.

Celebrities and athletes often use cryotherapy as an alternative to ice baths. However, many medical experts have expressed concern about its safety and effectiveness.

 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved whole-body cryotherapy as a medical treatment and urges caution.

A History of Cryotherapy Deaths

This tragic event in Paris echoes a similar incident in the United States. In 2015, a 24-year-old woman was found frozen to death in a cryotherapy chamber at a Las Vegas spa. She had reportedly used the chamber after business hours and was found the next day by a co-worker.

Despite growing popularity, cryotherapy is not without serious risks, especially when protocols fail. A nitrogen leak, often caused by faulty valves or human error, can create an oxygen-deficient environment in enclosed spaces like cryo-chambers.

The Medical Use of Cryotherapy

Though the wellness version of cryotherapy is under scrutiny, medical cryotherapy—also called cryoablation—is a legitimate treatment used by doctors. It involves applying extreme cold to remove abnormal or diseased tissue. 

This procedure treats various skin conditions, such as warts and skin tags, and some cancers, including prostate, cervical, and liver cancers.

Medical-grade cryotherapy is carefully controlled and conducted by trained professionals using liquid nitrogen, nitrous oxide, or argon gas.

Legal Ramifications

On Air gym remained closed the day after the incident and issued a public apology. Authorities continue to investigate. It is suspected that there were breaches of safety protocols or equipment malfunctions that led to the nitrogen leak. No criminal charges have yet been filed.