Worker Dies After Broadcast Tower Fall

Updated October 12, 2011

A worker died Wednesday after falling more than 500 feet from a communications tower near Route 128 in Newton.

Matt Peterson, spokesman for Boston-based American Tower Corp., which owns the structure, said the man was part of a subcontractor's crew placing a new antenna pole and safety ladder. The man fell at about 1 p.m.

The Middlesex County district attorney's office says the fall does not appear to be suspicious, but it is investigating.

American Tower issued a statement saying it is "deeply saddened" by the man's death and has suspended work at the site pending a full review. The company said it is cooperating with authorities investigating the accident.

Several local news outlets broadcast from the tower, including WBUR-FM.

At some 1,200 feet, the tower is more than 400 feet higher than Boston's tallest building.

With reporting by the WBUR Newsroom and The Associated Press

This article was originally published on October 12, 2011.

This program aired on October 12, 2011. The audio for this program is not available.