Well known high power rocketry hobbiest dies in accident

[RocketMan]

Erik Gates, a well known and respected member of the high power rocketry community died in a construction accident last Sunday.
Some of you might remember Erik from some of the Mythbuster episodes where he assisted Adam and Jamie in busting rocket-related myths.

The story is here.

I never met the man, but would have liked to.  He and his brother are very well known in rocketry circles.  They have done some really cool stuff over the years.
RIP, Erik.

[roo_ster]

One moment's inattention...   

[geronimotwo]

what a shame.....one of the reasons i don't work on a ladder or roof if i'm feeling fatigued.

[Hawkmoon]

Very sad, and a preventable accident that should never have occurred. Skylights are known to be "holes in the roof." Building codes and OSHA regulations for years have required either guard railings around skylights to prevent exactly this type of accident, or else the skylight has to have impact-resistant glazing, structural-grade screening, or catch nets beneath them. Somebody didn't do their job at that building.

[cassandra and sara's daddy]

older building perhaps

[Antibubba]

He of all people should have known that gravity kills.  Can you imagine his last thoughts?  

[Sergeant Bob]

Complacency kills. It's human nature and you need to be vigilant at all times. That's a pretty tough task.