This American Tower Corp.-managed 349-foot guyed tower site in Cotton Valley, LA, is where the first industry fatality in 2025 occurred.
At an opening reception during NATE UNITE 2025 in Raleigh, NC, last Monday evening, an American Tower Corp project manager unexpectedly obtained a microphone and brought a lively crowd to silence with a somber announcement: “An hour ago,” he said, a tower climber fell to his death. His reverent prayer was well received by those in attendance, and news of the fatality quickly spread throughout the industry. However, despite extensive online searches in the following days, no official reports surfaced regarding the incident.
IN MEMORIUM – DALTON RAY TEATER – July 2, 1997 – February 17, 2025
Wireless Estimator confirmed on Sunday that Dalton Ray Teater, a 27-year-old tower technician employed by Texas-based RB Telecom Services, LLC, lost his life on February 17, 2025, after falling from a 349-foot guyed tower in Cotton Valley, LA. The incident occurred when he was at approximately the 220-foot level. Details of why he fell will not be known until an OSHA investigation is completed.
In workplace fatalities, employers are typically advised by legal counsel to refrain from making statements. This cautious approach helps prevent the spread of misinformation that could harm the reputations of the deceased and their employer.
When a tower technician dies on a worksite, local or state media outlets usually immediately become aware of the incident, prompting Wireless Estimator to seek further details following their reports. However, Cotton Valley, a small town with a population of just 731, presented unique challenges. Multiple inquiries to the police chief’s Gmail account went unanswered—likely because he was replaced in November following an election, though the town’s website had yet to reflect this change.
A GoFundMe page was established to assist with funeral expenses but provided only minimal details, stating that Teater had “tragically lost his life in a work accident.”
RB Telecom Services was a subcontractor for EasTex Tower, a Longview, TX-based company with a 35-year history and four branch offices, including one in Louisiana. EasTex is one of five companies operating under ONTIVITY.
Justin Huggins, Vice President of National Program Management at ONTIVITY, issued a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the news that an RB Telecom Services employee suffered a fatal fall on February 17, 2025, while performing wireless telecommunications work in Cotton Valley, Louisiana. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the employee’s family and loved ones and all those impacted by this event. Out of respect for the family’s privacy and any investigation that may be performed, we are unable to comment further at this time.”
An attorney representing RB Telecom Services indicated that further information would be provided once additional details were gathered but has not yet responded to follow-up inquiries.
Sources familiar with the incident identified the tower as an American Tower site. However, FCC records show that the structure, built in 2009, is owned by Verizon. It is likely that American Tower is managing the site, given that the company acquired lease rights to 11,324 Verizon towers in 2015 for $5 billion.
Despite multiple requests for information, American Tower has not responded.
According to individuals with knowledge of the work being performed, RB Telecom Services was conducting a T-Mobile installation on the tower. Based in Fort Worth, TX, the company holds the necessary licensing to operate in Louisiana.
OSHA’s Baton Rouge Area Office has launched an investigation into the fatality.
Teater is survived by his wife, Kayle Nichole, their two young children, and his parents, Rene’ Williams Teater and Donald Teater.
Although the family did not publish an obituary, a service was held on Saturday at Bethel Community Church in Houston, TX.
A spokesperson for the Tower Family Foundation said the organization has reached out to the family to assist with a contribution during their trying times.