John Bernecker. Photo/IMDb.
Update – July 14: Stuntman John Bernecker who fell on the set of “The Walking Dead” on July 12 has passed away. His injuries, reported to be serious head injuries, were sustained as a result of the fall.
The accident occurred on the set at Raleigh Studios in Senoia, according to Raleigh President Scott Tigchelaar.
“This show has a uniquely-bound cast, crew and international ‘family’ of fans,” Tigchelaar said Friday. “This tragedy affects all of us deeply.”
Original story: A stuntman working on the Senoia-based “The Walking Dead” television show was seriously injured in a fall on July 12.
John Bernecker reportedly fell onto a concrete floor from a height of at least 20 feet and was air-lifted to Atlanta Medical Center, where he was placed in intensive care as a result of a serious head injury he sustained, according to multiple news sources.
Variety.com noted a statement from AMC television, home to the hit television series.
“We are saddened to report that John Bernecker, a talented stuntman for ‘The Walking Dead’ and numerous other television shows and films, suffered serious injuries from a tragic accident on set,” AMC said in a statement. “He was immediately transported to an Atlanta hospital and we have temporarily shut down production. We are keeping John and his family in our thoughts and prayers.”
It was not immediately known if the accident occurred in Senoia, given that filming on Wednesday was reportedly ongoing in both Senoia and in adjacent Fayette County.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, a spokesperson for SAG-AFTRA, which represents stunt performers and coordinators, said, “We have been informed of a serious injury to a SAG-AFTRA member on the set of ‘The Walking Dead’ and are investigating the situation. As always, the safety and security of our members and others on set is of crucial concern to us and we are focused on this in our investigation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the performer and his family.”
John Bernecker is known for his work on “Black Panther” (2018), “Logan” (2017), “Fantastic Four” (2015) and a number of other film productions, according to film website IMDb.
