First cell tower death this year
It has been reported that the first cell tower-related death of the year has taken place this week near San Angelo, Texas. Details are still incredibly slim, despite the fact that it has been several days since the incident. Even the exact height of the fall is not confirmed, though witnesses claim it could have been as high as 200 feet. What has been confirmed is that woman has been identified as Stephanie Gurney, a resident of San Angelo. EMS responders rushed her to Concho County Hospital after receiving a 911 call from a witness. She was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Tower industry blogger Wade has worked hard to obtain more details about the incident. So far, there are conflicting reports. Some said she was a green hand climber, while others said she was not a tower climber at all, just a civilian who climbed the tower. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
The Sheriff is leading an investigation with assistance from the Texas Rangers. RCR Wireless News will report more on this story as it develops.
Two men burned on tower
This week also saw the injury of two men in Beloit, Wis. The men were working on the tower in a sky lift bucket when they came into contact with a 75,000-volt line, injuring the men and causing a fire on the vehicle the bucket was attached to. Being only 20 to 30 feet from the ground, the men jumped out of the bucket, sustaining only minor burns. After being rushed to a local hospital, both are expected to make a full recovery.
From Navy veteran to tower climber
Once again RCR Wireless News reporter Joey Jackson has created some fantastic tower videos that are worth watching. The latest is a special edition of our “Gigs” series, in which RCR Wireless News talks to a Navy veteran who discusses his transition from military service to tower climber and safety instructor. It’s inspiring and powerful.
Tower quickies
• InSite Wireless buys 294 towers from CTI
• IWCE Tower Safety and Compliance panel, hosted by Wade Sarver
Regional/local tower news
- Warwick, N.Y., cell tower no-go.
- Edison, N.J., property owners oppose plan for cell tower near homes.
- Rome, Maine, residents air cell tower plan.
- West Gardiner, Maine, residents approve cell tower restrictions at town meeting.
- T-Mobile US cell tower batteries stolen in Concord, Mass.
- New cell tower on Wachusett Mountain, Mass.
- Church at odds with neighbors over cellphone tower in Elm Grove, Wis.
- Cell tower disguised like giant evergreen in Lower Macungie, Penn., not very stealthy.
- Verizon withdraws cell tower application in Dawson County, Ga.
- Onalaska, Wis., cell tower plan up in the air.
- Noida, India, waits for telcos’ cell tower plan.
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