A number of photogs have been killed on or near airfields -- some by props during low flying; some decapitated by glider wings. I have not heard specifically of anybody killed by a tow rope or cable.
Even worse many photogs put themselves in danger without arrangement beforehand with the pilot
It is something to discover a photog maybe 20' before the threshold, fortunately in a ditch. Remember your carb heat. it would not do to have your engine cough and award the photog a Darwin.
In Yellowstone, people regularly walk right up to bison to get a good picture -- and get killed.