AMC network, The Walking Dead cast and crew mourn the passing of stuntman John Bernecker. Bernecker died tragically on Wednesday after suffering a injuries from a fatal accident on set of the AMC hit series.
On Friday, showrunner Scott Gimple released this statement:
“Our production is heartbroken by the tragic loss of John Bernecker. John’s work on The Walking Dead and dozens of other movies and shows will continue to entertain and excite audiences for generations. We are grateful for his contributions, and all of us send our condolences, love, and prayers to John’s family and friends.”
AMC’s statement about the tragedy:
We are deeply saddened by the loss of John Bernecker. He will always be part of the TWD family. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.
— The Walking Dead (@WalkingDead_AMC) July 15, 2017
Bernecker was filming a fight scene and fell from a platform. Deadline reports that the stuntman fell 30 feet off a balcony, missed the safety cushion by inches, and hit his head on the concrete pavement. Paramedics transported Bernecker to the Atlanta Medical Center. He suffered major brain trauma and did not regain consciousness. The family chose to remove him from life support on Wednesday.
Bernecker’s stuntwork can be seen on 24: Legacy, Into the Badlands, Logan, Fantastic Four and the upcoming Marvel’s Black Panther according to his IMDB page.
TWD cast members Norman Reedus and Ross Marquand posted their tributes on Instagram. Dania Gurira, Chandler Riggs and Lauren Cohen took to Twitter to send their messages of love and support for the Bernecker Family.
Geek Girl Authority would like to express our deepest condolences to the Bernecker and The Walking Dead family.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWij8-VABgr/?taken-by=bigbaldhead&hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWizhrqgyaK/?taken-by=rossmarquand&hl=en
John Bernecker's passing is so deeply tragic; such a great loss. My sincerest condolences & prayers to his family & the stunt community. RIP https://t.co/7MKmebOnjL
— Danai Gurira (@DanaiGurira) July 15, 2017
rip john bernecker, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. such a horrible thing to have happened.
— chandler riggs (@chandlerriggs) July 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/LaurenCohan/status/885942130660605953
News Editor, Senior Contributor, and Press Editor. Coordinate breaking news, trailers and press releases. I also contribute reviews, recaps and interviews. Creator of the Indigenerd Wire, a column dedicated to the Indigenous creatives in pop culture.
GGA's resident Indigenerd, a little bit rez, a little bit classy...with a love for all things Star Wars, zombies, science fiction, and Indigenous. My ultimate goal is to start my own podcast.
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