Family sues after son was electrocuted in Harvey's flood

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - The family of a young man who was electrocuted in the aftermath of Harvey is filing a lawsuit against CenterPoint Energy and other electrical companies. The family is hoping to force them to change how they operate during such a disaster. 

"I know that every parent says that their kids are great," said Albin Pasek during a press conference on Wednesday. "Andrew was great."

An accomplished Eagle Scout with a love for music and animals, 25-year-old Andrew Pasek was on a mission to save his younger sister’s cat following Harvey.

“Any life is important, an animal's life is important, a child’s life is important and it seems so silly that, you know, maybe he was going for my cat," said a tearful Alyssa Davidson who also attended today's press conference.

As Andrew waded through high waters of the Bear Creek subdivision in north Houston with his friend, he came in contact with an electrical current from a light fixture a few blocks from his sister’s home.

“He saved the life of his friend Sean and told him not to come near him," said Andrew's mother, Jodell Pasek. "It could have been anyone that day.”

Andrew died a short time later. 

“There’s multiple failures here," said Muhammad Aziz who is the attorney representing the Pasek family. "There’s multiple people who dropped the ball.”

A lawsuit filed on Tuesday claims the light fixture wasn’t properly installed and blames CenterPoint Energy for not turning off power even as they knew Bear Creek was being inundated by water due to the release of the Addicks reservoir.

“And if they know that an area is going to flood, they should cut the circuit," said Aziz.

CenterPoint provided a statement to FOX 26 reading, “Our condolences go out to Mr. Pasek’s family.  Due to pending litigation, however, we are not at liberty to comment on the incident or lawsuit.”

"You don’t know what obstacles are under the water, you don’t know what holes are under the water, you don’t know what’s in the water," said Joshua Vogel who is the Senior Captain of the Marine Group with Houston Fire Department. "The best advice is to stay out of the water."

Jodell has made it her mission to spread the word, posting signs in schools telling children to be smart and safe as she doesn’t want others going through the unbearable grief of losing a child.

"Hurricane season is fast approaching and we urge a change to prevent any further loss of life," said Albin.

Aside from a policy change, damages are also being sought. This is a civil case and while the exact amount is not being disclosed, according to the lawsuit, it's in excess of $1 million.