an elderly relative told me that too, a long time agoo

The Oral Tradition at work.

Theories that may explain the rumour ...
Apparently GY's Chief Surveyor did suffer a fatal heart attack after climbing the 217 steps before it opened.
Also
Charles Marsh, a professional acrobat and his friend, Henry Wharton, decided to climb the 150 foot high Nelson’s Pillar at Great Yarmouth. Marsh had reached the platform near the top and tried to get onto the helmet of the figure of Britannia, when he slipped and fell, hitting the stone floor below and killing himself instantly.

Posted By: Henclrikus, Mar 10, 17:37:18