Bangor Man Dies in Fall from Communications Tower

A Bangor man died on Wednesday when he fell from a HAM radio tower in Union.

James Larner, 74, was working on a communications tower on Olson Farm Lane in Union on Wednesday afternoon when he fell. A 911 call was made to the Knox County Regional Communications Center just before 1 p.m., but first responders were too late to save him. Knox County Sheriff's officials told the Village Voice that Larner was wearing a safety harness and a friend told them his carabiner clips were hooked. Officials have found no evidence of foul play.

On a personal note, Larner was well-known in the broadcast community, and had climbed most of our towers, at one time or another. Those of us who prefer to keep our feet on the ground have always been in awe of the people who seem to enjoy climbing to such great heights. Jim, and others in his profession, literally keep us on the air. We are all saddened by his passing.

Our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.