[SEDXC] Tower tragedy

[John Harden, D.M.D.]

* Jim Mullin, W8KKK (SK): Jim Mullin, W8KKK, of Concord Township, Ohio, 
fell to his death from atop his 100 foot tower on June 6, reports Frank 
"Fritz" Hemrich, K8WLF, also of Concord Township. According to a post 
Hemrich made on QRZ.com, Mullin, 69, was in the process of dismantling 
his tower and antennas when his safety belt "parted at one of the seams 
and just let go." Hemrich recounted that Mullin had already been up on 
the tower twice that day: "It appears as if he was on his third trip up 
to re-position his gin pole to start taking apart and down the tower 
sections. His ground assistant had just finished taking some pictures of 
the tower and was putting his camera back in his car. As he turned away 
from the car he heard Jim hit the ground." A service for Mullin was held 
June 11."

I have climbed towers for years. NEVER depend only on your  safety belt. 
I always have two (yes 2) safety lanyards connected to the tower in 
addition to the climbing belt. When I go around guys wires and have to 
disconnect I still have two lanyards connected via stainless "gorilla" 
hooks.

73,

John, W4NU