A Texas worker died in February 2023 from exposure to hydrogen sulfide at Suncor Energy’s Commerce City oil refinery, his family claims in a new wrongful-death lawsuit.

Kurtis R. Williams was sent to work at the Suncor refinery by Texas contractor HPC Industrial Services after a sudden freeze. caused catastrophic damage to the plant’s refining equipmentforcing it to close for nearly three months in early 2023.

On Feb. 21, 2023, Suncor reported a vapor leak in refining equipment while the plant was closed, and Williams was exposed to toxic fumes, including hydrogen sulfide, while working there, according to the suit, filed Wednesday in District Court Adams County.

Williams underwent a health screening for respiratory problems but was sent back to work, the lawsuit states. Following the incident, the refinery issued an “all clear” call for workers to return to work, and no injuries were publicly reported, according to a Feb. 21, 2023 public notice from Suncor.

Williams was found dead in his hotel room on February 28, 2023 by his co-workers, and toxicology results from an autopsy showed significant recent exposure to hydrogen sulfide, which was indicated by elevated levels of thiosulfate, according to the lawsuit.

“Neither Suncor nor HPC initially informed authorities that Mr. Williams had been exposed to toxins at the plant in question,” the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit did not say what type of work Williams did, nor did it say how long Williams was allegedly dead in his hotel room before co-workers found him.

Williams was wearing a monitor manufactured by Honeywell Safety Products that should have warned him he was exposed to dangerous levels of toxic chemicals. The process claims that the monitor has failed.

Williams’ survivors, including a child, are suing Suncor, Honeywell, HPC Industrial Services and United Rentals for negligence. The lawsuit also accuses Honeywell and United Rentals of providing defective equipment and accuses HPC Industrial Services of gross negligence for sending its worker to a dangerous job without proper training.

Williams’ family is seeking an unspecified amount in financial damages.

Suncor and HPC Industrial Services knew their policies, procedures and equipment were inadequate and still instructed the work to be performed, the lawsuit states.

The suit also alleges that Suncor continued to release sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide into the surrounding neighborhood after Williams’ death.

“Contrary to Suncor’s assessment that ‘no immediate action by the community was required,’ regulators warned neighbors to take precautions,” the lawsuit states.