I would like to explain the circumstances of this accident as I have been
informed from a person at the scene of the accident. My purpose is to PROMOTE
safety for each of us WHENEVER we climb any antenna structure.
First, I met Greg, N5CLM, in Roswell on Oct 5/6 weekend. I took an immediate
liking to him. This was a ham I wanted to know and work with in the future.
He loved CW, was a beginning DXer, and possible contester. He had just
recently installed a 120ft tower and was awaiting his 3el STEP-IR antenna.
Greg's death was not due to a tower or antenna structure failure of any kind.
The day of the accident the weather was in the low 90F range, with no winds.
Greg was descending a tower and was attempting to pass guys wires at the 90
foot level. It is unknown what actually happened at the moment, but he did NOT
have a safety line attached to the tower when he removed his belt from around
the tower to pass the 90 foot level guys. Greg was wearng his own new
full-body safety harness at the time.
After the fall and the sheriff had arrived on scene, Greg's safety line was
found in his vehicle.
This was a very unfortunate accident. The hobby lost a very good guy.
This post is being sent to state the ABSOLUTE requirement that when we climb a
tower WE MUST TAKE SAFETY AS OUR #1 CONCERN. AT NO TIME SHOULD WE NOT BE
ATTACHED SECURELY TO THE TOWER. Before you put one foot on the tower make sure
you are attached to the tower with a known GOOD safety line. AND keep yourself
attached to the tower at all times during the climb, both up and down.
I request that you not ask any additional details of me. It was a VERY
unfortunate accident and I want this to be an educational reminder to all who
climb towers. I lost a NEW friend, many others lost a friend of many years.
SAFETY IS ALWAYS THE #1 CONCERN.
Greg's funeral was held today 23 October, 2007 in Roswell, NM.
Arne N7KA
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