THE family of an Ebbw Vale man who died after an accident at a Hampshire oil refinery say they are determined to find out what led to his death.

Rigger Tony McGowan, 57, died at Southampton General Hospital on Thursday following an incident at Fawley Refinery in the New Forest.

It is thought he became trapped beneath pipes at the site. Mr McGowan’s sons, Chris and Scott, paid tribute to their father yesterday, saying they had been “deeply saddened at the tragic and untimely death of our dad”. In a joint statement they said: “He was a truly fantastic father and grandfather and will be greatly missed.” But they added that health and safety had been of “paramount importance” to Mr McGowan, and that the family would be looking for answers about what led to his death.

Hampshire Constabulary and the Health and Safety Executive are currently working together on an investigation into the circumstances of Mr McGowan’s death.

Refinery owner Exxon Mobil said it had also launched its own investigation, which will run in parallel to that of the HSE and police.

EDITORIAL COMMENT: Tell the family

THE family of EbbwVale man Anthony McGowan have a right to be told as much as possible about his death, even if investigations by the police and health and safety executive in Fawley are not yet complete.

We in the media are used to waiting until the deliberations by authority are completed. In most cases that is right and proper. But it is different for a family who are desperate to know why they have lost a husband and father.

We sincerely hope that this family will not have to wait much longer to be told what led to Mr McGowan’s death.