At the time of Jonathan’s death there were over 60 employees in All Around Towers working in multiple states, cities and jobs. The other 2 companies under Phoenix had another 50 employees all working around the U.S. The men have got to step up and take the responsibility to police themselves. They cannot babysit men all day. No one in America wants to take responsibility for their own actions anymore. Until the men begin doing this the deaths will continue.

Yes, some of the men on the crew were fired because they broke multiple company policies and contributed to the death of Jonathan. However, the crew leader called the office that morning stating that day would be his last. The crew knew about the broken latch and knew it was in the trailer, per their statement to OSHA, and did nothing about it. They were fired because they cheered Jonathan on while he laughed, hollered, bounced around and rapelled down on a lift line, per the landowner’s statements.

They had controlled descending ropes in the trailer that was not used. The safety line that is to be attached to the D-ring of Jonathan’s harness lay next to the tower on the ground, another rule Jonathan broke. The crew witnessed this and did not say anything to him.

So, yes, they fired them. Hopefully, next time when they see someone breaking Company and OSHA Safety Rules, they will stop them and not stand idley by or encourage them. Would you prefer AAT slap them on the hand and let them keep their jobs and endanger someone else?

So though the correct equipment was there, Jonathan Guilford and the guys that allowed his death-

1. -did not use the cable grab on his harness that was issued. It was attached to his harness at his death and they said nothing.

2. -chose not to come down on the safety cable safely vs. “Cowboying” down a rope used for lifting equipment and they said nothing.

3. -used a “Danger painted”, “Removed from service” block though 3 other safe blocks were next to it. The men knew about this per their statements and never threw it out. This was used because it is smaller and lighter, therefore easier to carry up the tower.

4. -did not rig the tower with the proper rope that was sitting next to the tower when he fell. The other men saw this and said nothing.

5. -did not rig a safety life line that was in the trailer and designed for control descending.

6. -Jonathan did not use the safety rope grab with shock-absorbing lanyard issued that was attached to the back of his harness when he died. The men saw this and said nothing.

7. -Jonathan did not use a rigging strap, instead attached the hook directly to the tower which also contributed to his death.

Unfortunately, until OSHA begins fining the individual breaking the safety rules, along with the company, individuals will continue to break rules.

Bridgette Pierson, All Around Towers and Phoenix of TN, Inc. did not kill Jonathan. Unfortunately, Jonathan killed Jonathan. It was terrible and tragic, but Jonathan held the key to his safety.

Why did you tell me, Doug Delany, Mr. Waites and many others that the companies did all they could and that Jonathan fell due to his personality? You then told us he had previously fallen from the roof of a building while working for a roofing company due to, “Not wearing the safety harness provided”. According to you he ended up in ICU following this particular accident.

Regarding your comment that the companies never did anything for you, I handled your case when I worked for Phoenix. So are you saying the $200K Life Insurance Policy they provided is nothing? If I remember correctly, you called me 3 days after the funeral and told me your 3-year-old daughter found a house that she loved (so you were house shopping already?!?!?) and you wanted to know when the settlement would be given to you!?!?

Even though Jonathan tested positive for drugs, the company fought until you received the full $200K instead of a smaller settlement from the insurance company.

The companies paid for the $10K funeral.

The companies paid for, and set up, your grief counseling. You even called the office and stated that you wanted a different counselor and you had found one. It was taken care of. The companies also offered the grief counseling to Jonathan’s parents, siblings and crew members.

What else should be included in the “Nothing” that should have been provided, per your opinion?

And most importantly, if the companies actually, “Killed your husband” per your comments, why on earth would you bring your new live-in boyfriend from Murfreesboro to fill out an application for a job a year later? If I recall, when Mr. Waites walked into the front lobby, your actual comment to him was, “Well, Kyle, looks like I’ve got another one for you”. Chills went down my spine!

I can honestly tell you that they were tragically sorry when Jonathan died, but, as stated above, Jonathan knew the rules and was provided with the safety gear. He chose to not use them a second time…….unfortunately, he was not so lucky the second time.

Again, my sincerest condolences.

Sleep with your conscious, Bridgette…