A tragic incident unfolded on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the On Air gym located on boulevard Voltaire in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, where a nitrogen leak during a cryotherapy session resulted in the death of a 29-year-old employee and left a 34-year-old client in critical condition.
The emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 6:30 PM, responding to reports of two individuals in cardio-respiratory arrest. Unfortunately, the young employee could not be revived, while the client was rushed to Lariboisière Hospital, where her prognosis remains uncertain.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the nitrogen leak originated from the cryotherapy tank, which had just undergone repairs earlier that day. This incident has raised serious concerns about the safety protocols in place at the facility.
The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that an investigation into the cause of death has been initiated. It has been entrusted to the police station of the 11th arrondissement, in collaboration with the labor inspection. An autopsy and toxicological analyses have been ordered to determine the precise cause of death, which is believed to have occurred during the cryotherapy session.
Cryotherapy is a popular recovery technique in the sports world, involving brief exposure to extremely low temperatures, typically between -110°C and -140°C, to promote muscle recovery and reduce inflammation. However, the process relies heavily on liquid nitrogen, a colorless and odorless gas that can displace oxygen in poorly ventilated spaces, leading to hypoxia—a condition that can cause unconsciousness and even death within moments if not swiftly addressed.
Witnesses reported that approximately 150 individuals were present in the gym at the time of the incident, all of whom were evacuated as a precautionary measure. Three additional individuals who attempted to assist the victims were treated for minor injuries.
The On Air gym, which has since closed its doors for an indefinite period, issued a statement expressing its condolences and emphasizing the importance of safety. They stated, "We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and are cooperating fully with the authorities to understand what happened." The gym will remain closed on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, to allow for investigations and to support the affected families.
Diego Brisset, a 26-year-old gym member, shared his shock at the incident, stating, "I was going to train like every evening when I heard from colleagues that the gym was closed due to a death caused by a nitrogen leak. I've always been told that cryotherapy can be dangerous."
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about the safety of cryotherapy practices, particularly regarding the maintenance and operation of equipment that uses hazardous materials like liquid nitrogen. Experts have noted that while cryotherapy can offer benefits for muscle recovery, it must be managed with stringent safety protocols to prevent such tragedies.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities will likely scrutinize the maintenance records of the cryotherapy equipment and the training of staff responsible for its operation. The gym's management could face serious repercussions if negligence is found to be a contributing factor to this unfortunate event.
In the meantime, the local community is mourning the loss of a young woman and praying for the recovery of the injured client. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with modern fitness practices and the critical importance of adhering to safety standards.
As the city of Paris grapples with this tragedy, many are left wondering how a routine fitness session could turn fatal, prompting calls for stricter regulations and oversight in fitness facilities across the country. The future of cryotherapy in gyms may now be under scrutiny as safety takes precedence over trendy recovery methods.
