POTA Activator Dies in Accidental Electrocution
/Tripp Owens, N4NTO, a well-regarded POTA activator, died on Friday, July 4th, when, according to investigators, his antenna mast made contact with an overhead power line at the Chicora Civil War Cemetery near the Averasboro [pron: aver-us-burro] Battlefield Historic Site, US-11375. According to several local news reports, emergency crews were called to the scene after Tripp was found unconscious in the parking lot. One news report said that fire crews found him with his foot touching the mast beneath the power lines. Power company crews turned off the power to give the responders access. Tripp was pronounced dead at the scene.
A report on the QRPer.com website relayed information from Dave W4JL, who said Tripp had been spotted on the Reverse Beacon Network between 12:02 and 12:13 UTC that morning but noted on the POTA spots page that he was going QRT.
“This is heartbreaking news for those of us in the Parks on the Air and WWFF communities. Tripp was a well-known and well-loved North Carolina POTA operator—a dedicated hunter and activator whose callsign appears in my logs many times over the years.”
Tripp's death was ruled accidental. Within hours of the news, the ham radio community offered condolences to his family on social media and shared memories of a man who they praised for his spirit of mentorship and his gentle sense of humor. Mark Gibson, N4MQU, praised him for his achievements as a top CW operator and a devoted contester.
He had been a ham since 1985. "Ambrose 'Tripp' Owens the third was 57 years old.
Tripp Owens (N4NTO) is believed to have been electrocuted while working with an antenna mast during a Parks on the Air (POTA) activation in North Carolina. N4NTO was an avid participant with POTA activating over 660 parks. Hams on social media posted condolences. [N4NTO] was a great CW op, and I had many POTA QSOs with him. His death is a reminder that even if you have over 600 activations under your belt, you always need to be alert for power lines when putting up and taking down portable antennas. — VA2NW QRPer called for a renewed look at safety in the field: Let’s honor Tripp by taking antenna safety seriously and helping others do the same. Share reminders. Watch out for one another. Stay mindful in the field.
