Commerce City, Colo. – A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed in Adams County against Suncor Energy, following the death of a Texas contract worker who allegedly succumbed to toxic fumes at the company’s Commerce City refinery last year. The suit intensifies scrutiny over the Canadian energy giant’s safety protocols, particularly following a series of fatalities and sanctions in recent years.
The worker, Kurtis Williams, 32, was employed by HPC Industries and was assisting Suncor in resuming operations after a deep cold snap in late 2022, which had led to significant equipment malfunctions and a nearly three-month facility closure. Despite Suncor’s reassurances of safety following a reported vapor release on February 21, 2023, the lawsuit alleges Williams was ordered to address the leak — a task outside his contract scope — and was exposed to lethal chemicals, including hydrogen sulfide.
Activists and environmental groups are amplifying calls for the plant’s closure in light of ongoing air quality violations. Cultivando, a local environmental justice organization, held a press conference demanding the revocation of Suncor’s operating permit until a thorough investigation into the incident and Williams’ subsequent death is complete.
“Suncor has jeopardized not only the environmental health of our communities but now the very lives of those working at their sites,” said Guadalupe Solis, director of environmental justice programs for Cultivando.
Following his exposure, Williams reportedly underwent a respiratory distress health screening but was sent back to work by his supervisors. He was found deceased in his hotel room by colleagues on approximately February 28, 2023. The lawsuit points out that neither Suncor nor HPC disclosed the toxic exposure to the authorities initially. An autopsy supported the exposure claims, revealing toxicology results consistent with hydrogen sulfide.
The implications of such incidents extend beyond local concerns, reflecting potential systemic issues within Suncor. After 12 reported worker deaths at its Canadian operations between 2014 and 2022, pressure has mounted from investors and regulatory bodies for major corporate governance reforms. In response, the company appointed a new CEO who cited 2023 as a significantly improved year for worker safety.
The legal action, representing Williams’ family, seeks unspecified damages from Suncor Energy and HPC Industries, with additional claims against Honeywell and United Rentals related to the alleged failure of an air quality monitoring device Williams was wearing, which reportedly did not alert him to the danger.
This lawsuit occurs amidst a backdrop of Williams’ personal story, as shared in a 2023 obituary. Survived by a young daughter, Williams was known for his close relationship with his mother and his love for cooking, frequently sharing his culinary creations on social media.
While immediate attempts to contact Williams’s family were unsuccessful, and no statements have been made by the involved companies, the incident underscores the ongoing debates and actions surrounding industrial safety and environmental responsibility.
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