Mississippi man succumbs after 100-foot fall while dismantlingFebruary 3, 2010 - A veteran tower climber died today after falling 100 feet from a cell tower he was working on along Arkansas 88 in Saline County, Ark., a sheriff’s office spokesman said.
Terry Thompson, 51, of Lucedale was pronounced dead at the scene, Lt. Mike Frost, with the sheriff’s department said.
He stated that the tower was owned by American Tower Corporation.
Thompson was a sub-contractor with Dynamic Wireless of Little Rock, a company hired to remove the 250-foot self supporting tower.
Frost said the sheriff’s office is investigating the death and OSHA has been contacted.
The 10:30 a.m. accident was this year's first tower climber fatality
Authorities say Thompson had 37 years of experience working on towers.
Initial reports indicate that Thomson may have been attached with only a positioning lanyard.
Just prior to Thomson falling, the gin pole reportedly lurched about two-to-three feet.
OSHA will be looking to identify if it was the gate or other equipment that failed.
Thomson reportedly fell inside the tower and hit some bracing on his way down.
Dynamic Wireless, LLC, an affiliate of TransportWave, was founded in 2004.
The tower erection and maintenance company is managed by Todd Lewellen.
Dynamic Wireless is licensed as a general contractor in several states.
