Ham Killed Installing Dayton Purchase
Courtesy of ARRL web extra news

A Kentucky Amateur Radio Emergency Service member died May 20 while installing a 2-meter antenna he'd just bought at the Dayton Hamvention. According to ARRL Kentucky Section Emergency Coordinator Ron Dodson, KA4MAP, Ronald L. Oller, KG4JVT, of Irvington, died when the ground plane antenna he was installing fell onto the overhead electrical service line to his house.

He had been a ham for about eight months.

Dodson said Oller and a teenaged friend, John Betner, KG4LHQ, had purchased new 2-meter groundplanes at the Hamvention. The pair already had installed one of the units at Betner's home and were in the process of raising Oller's antenna when the incident occurred. Betner was not injured and summoned help for his friend.

Dodson said Oller had a history of heart trouble but said he did not know if that was a factor in his death.

Dodson described Oller as "one of the most enthusiastic hams I have ever met" and as "a generous individual who loved to be helpful in spite of his heart ailment." Earlier in the weekend, Oller had traveled to Dayton Hamvention on a chartered bus with other amateurs from Kentucky's Meade, Breckinridge, Jefferson and surrounding counties.

Oller got his license last October and became involved in public service and, as AAT4YQ/T, in the Military Affiliate Radio System. He also had "elmered" the 16-year-old Betner when he studied for his license.

"It can happen to any of us at any time," said Dodson, who advised caution when installing antennas. "It's too late to help Ron, but, please, let's not lose anyone else to such a terrible tragedy."