In 2001 during Valve's 5-year anniversary, Newell (who was steering a medium sized yacht) was among his Valve colleagues when a small child was dragged under the waves and began to struggle to stay above surface. As his colleagues rushed to help, Newell held out an arm infront of them, stopping them, and was reported saying by Lori Petty (his assistant) "The waves have claimed her, let her fight for her own life". And proceeded to watch her struggle until her body disappeared beneath the waves, lifeless. He was later spotted outside the childs house, making drowning gestures and thanking the family for their childs sacrifice to the great ocean.