Joi ‘SJ’ Harris, a professional road racer and a stuntwoman from Deadpool 2, died on the sets of the film on Monday. According to reports, Harris was participating in her first film as a stunt performer when the accident occurred. She is also the first African American woman professional road racer.
Her identity was confirmed by the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television, and Radio Artists, reports Deadline.
WorkSafeBC, a statutory agency, which oversees occupational safety in the province, and The Coroners Service of British Columbia are leading the investigation, police said, reports CNN. The incident took place at the 1000 Block of West Waterfront Road, Vancouver BC, near Jack Poole Plaza, according to WorkSafeBC and the Coroners Service.
The stuntpersons had all practiced before shooting. Witness reported that on the last take, Harris lost control of her motorcycle and crashed through a plate glass window. Since she was portraying Zazie Beetz’ Domino, she wasn’t wearing a helmet.
“We are deeply saddened by the accident that occurred on the set of Deadpool 2 this morning. Our hearts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of our crew member during this difficult time,” a statement from 20th Century Fox, the studio behind Deadpool 2 read.
Deadpool 2 director David Leitch said in a statement, “I’m deeply saddened by the loss of one of our stunt performers today. No words can express how I and the rest of the Deadpool 2 crew feel about this tragedy. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and loved ones in this difficult time.”
Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds, too, extended his heartfelt condolence.
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) August 14, 2017
The production of the film has also been suspended without word of when it will resume.
The death is the second such occurrence of a fatal on-set accident in recent weeks. John Bernecker, a stunt performer for The Walking Dead, died in July after performing a fall on the show’s Georgia set.
Deadpool 2 is scheduled to be released on June 1, 2018.
(With inputs from IANS)
