Electrician falls in West Palm Beach Florida

[gafftaper]

This just in from the PLSN news:

Lighting Tech Killed in Fall from Catwalk
WEST PALM BEACH — Fenton "Andy" Hollingsworth, 27, a lighting technician at the 300-seat Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. Playhouse, part of the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, was killed Dec. 3 after falling from a 30-foot-high catwalk.

Hollingsworth was working with lighting gear mounted on truss at the time of the accident, about 2 p.m. Others at the playhouse saw and heard Hollingsworth fall and rushed to his aid, but he was not breathing when police officials arrived.

Hollingsworth was pronounced dead at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach. He had worked at the Kravis Center since April 2007.

A spokesman for the Kravis Center said the next scheduled production at the Rinker Playhouse, Our Finest Dreams, will open Friday as planned. Other Kravis Center productions, including the Dec. 3 opening for Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays, were also expected to proceed as planned.

Judging from the fact they have a show opening Friday, he was apparently doing some late changes to the lighting as the show completes it's dress rehearsals. Something we've all done 100 times.

As always, the thoughts and prayers of CB's community go out to the friends and family of our lost brothers.

[Van]

My heart goes out for this young mans family and freinds. but please take notice fellow members..........he was 27 ! Twenty Seven ! Kids remember, You are not Immortal or invunerable. Wear your fall arrest gear! and he was on scaffold which is safer than crawling around on truss, or on a ladder usually.

[headcrab]

Oh gosh. That's sad. Is it known how he was able to fall from a scaffold? I am assuming that the railings were properly mounted etc.

[Footer]

Wear your fall arrest gear! and he was on scaffold which is safer than crawling around on truss, or on a ladder usually.

I have yet to find what he actually fell from. Some reports are saying he was on a truss, others say catwalk. Where did you find the scafold thing?

[gafftaper]

A couple stories from the local Florida News. I only see the word Catwalk, not Scaffold.

Worker falls
Funeral Services Set With a short video montage of him and his wife. They were getting ready to celebrate their 1st wedding anniversary.

This one strikes me as extra sad and I really feel like doing something about it. Does anyone feel like chipping in a few bucks to send flowers or something? Send me a PM.

[derekleffew]

More information, particularly about the venue, at Theatre Safety Blog.

[dcollins]

such sad news...my thoughts go to his workmates and family...

[What Rigger?]

Always wear fall protection, gang. And make sure you've got the right gear AND training. One without the other is useless.

It's too early to speculate on this. However, a buddy of mine in FL seems to have known the guy in question. If I learn anything credible/pertinent, I'll share.

What seems saddest to me is the comment about his shoes. They don't prevent or arrest a fall. Along that line, I've also always believed in educating my spouse/friends/family about what I do and the risks, safety measures, and risk management involved. Yes, there are hazards. No, a job is not worth your life. And no-no-no the show does NOT have to go on. That's no comfort to his wife and family.

[gafftapegreenia]

It's so hard trying to discern details of this accident since news reporters have no idea concerning proper theatre terminology.

[gafftaper]

Anybody else feel like contributing to send flowers to the funeral on Thursday? Let me know ASAP via PM. I haven't figured out how to send the money yet. I'm working on that.