Stuntmen have the kind of job that thrill seekers love, but they are also highly trained. They are also well aware of the dangers of their chosen profession. As the LA Times reports, one stuntman gave his life doing his job.
A stuntman on the popular AMC show “The Walking Dead” died as the result of injuries suffered on the set. It is only the latest tragedy to strike a film project mid-project.
John Bernecker was on set in Georgia Wednesday afternoon when he fell more than 20 feet from a balcony onto a concrete floor. He was flown to Atlanta Medical Center where he died at about 6:30 p.m. The death, which was attributed to blunt force trauma, was deemed accidental.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) as well as SAG-AFTRA have both opened investigations into the accident.
Bernecker was a prolific stunt performer, appearing in such recent films as “Get Out,” “The Fate of the Furious,” and “Logan.”
Fatalities are rare in stunt work, but accidents and injuries are common. The rate of accidental death on set steadily declined during the 1990s and 2000s due to ramped-up safety measures taken by studios. The rise of computer-generated effects replacing stunt work where possible has also resulted in the decline of injury and death.
Bernecker’s death follows a death on the set of the Greg Allman biopic “Midnight Rider” in 2015. That film was also shot in Georgia.
Have you been injured in an accident? Let the attorneys at the law offices of John Foy and Associates fight for you. Our experienced attorneys can help you get the compensation that you deserve. Call today.