Family alleges unsafe task and poor maintenance led to fatal Houston incident.
HOUSTON, Texas — A 28-year-old contractor was killed Feb. 7 at a southeast Houston chemical plant after being struck by a piece of equipment that flew through the air during maintenance work, according to a lawsuit filed by his family.
The case centers on the death of Garrick Newell, whose attorneys say he was performing a task directed by plant operators when a piece of equipment weighing more than 1,000 pounds became dislodged and struck him. The lawsuit alleges the operation was unsafe and that failures in maintenance and oversight contributed to the fatal incident, raising questions about safety practices at the facility.
Newell had traveled from his home in east Texas to work as a contractor at the plant, where he was assisting with maintenance during what attorneys described as a routine assignment. On Feb. 7, he was asked to help remove a bellhead from a boilermaker, a cap used in industrial processing equipment. During that process, the equipment suddenly dislodged and flew roughly 15 feet before striking him. “This whole thing could have been avoided,” attorney Mo Aziz said, describing the event as preventable.
Attorneys representing Newell’s widow and children filed the lawsuit later in February, alleging that the work was carried out under the “specific direction and control” of the plant’s operator. They argue that such operations require strict safety procedures and that any deviation can create dangerous conditions. According to the complaint, the equipment involved had not been properly maintained, increasing the risk of failure during removal. The lawsuit further claims that oversight at the site was insufficient and that workers were exposed to unnecessary hazards.
The plant is operated by TPC Group, a company with a history of high-profile industrial incidents in southeast Texas. In 2019, a series of explosions at one of its facilities in Port Neches injured three people and forced evacuations of nearby communities. Fires from that event burned for more than a month and caused widespread damage, drawing scrutiny from federal investigators. A subsequent review by the U.S. Chemical Safety Board found deficiencies in hazard identification and safety management systems, adding context to the current allegations.
Legal proceedings in the Newell case are expected to focus on whether the company exercised proper control over the work being performed and whether established safety standards were followed. Wrongful death lawsuits in industrial settings often hinge on documentation such as maintenance records, internal communications, and safety protocols. Attorneys for the family say they have conducted an on-site investigation and are continuing to gather evidence to support their claims.
So far, TPC Group has declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing ongoing litigation. The company has not yet filed a formal response in court. It remains unclear whether additional parties, such as subcontractors or equipment manufacturers, could be named as the case develops. Regulatory agencies may also review the incident, though no public findings have been released.
Newell’s death has drawn attention to the risks faced by contract workers in the petrochemical industry, where maintenance operations often involve heavy equipment and complex procedures. His attorneys say he frequently spent weeks away from home for work, supporting his wife, daughter, and stepdaughter. They describe him as an experienced worker who understood the demands of the job but relied on employers to provide a safe environment.
The case remains in its early stages, with attorneys preparing for initial court proceedings and evidence review. Additional details about the incident and any potential safety violations may emerge as the litigation moves forward in the coming months.
Author note: Last updated April 17, 2026.