In November it was reported (
https://www.universetoday.com/148866...tory-entirely/ ) that the telescope was damaged beyond repair ( from a 2017 storm ).
The damage from that storm was thought to be repairable but further investigations by several structural engineering firms showed the structure was now unsafe and thus was beyond repair. it was then decided to be scrapped.
Gravity and maybe an mag 4 earthquake then caused the total failure.
That said, OH&S or WHS safe working practices would have kept this bloke on the ground.
It is sad it is gone but like life everything fails eventually.
Ed