According to a statement from the Vancouver police, SJ Harris, a female stunt person, was killed during a motorcycle stunt on the set of Deadpool 2. Harris was reportedly the first licensed female African American road racer in the US.
The authorities said that WorkSafeBC, which oversees occupational safety in the province, and The Coroners Service of British Columbia are leading the investigation and according to them, the accident took place at 1000 Block of West Waterfront Road, Vancouver B.C., near Jack Poole Plaza.
“We are deeply saddened by the accident that occurred on the set of ‘Deadpool 2’ this morning,” 20th Century Fox said in a statement. “Our hearts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of our crew member during this difficult time.”
Deadpool 2 is the sequel to the 2016 movie starring Ryan Reynolds that grossed over $363 million locally.
Reynolds, released his statement on social media hours after the death, writing, “Today, we tragically lost a member of our crew while filming Deadpool. We’re heartbroken, shocked and devastated… but recognize nothing can come close to the grief and inexplicable pain her family and loved ones must feel in this moment.”
“My heart pours out to them — along with each and every person she touched in this world,” he added.
Production on the sequel started in late June and at the time, Reynolds posted a photo on social media with caption, “Feels good to be back.”
Since then, the 40-year-old actor has shared several behind the scenes sneak peeks. Last week, he shared a photo with local police thanking them for being helpful while filming.
“With great power, comes great… inconvenience. Huge shout-out to the incredibly hard working #VPD,” he wrote on Instagram. “And I’d like to especially thank the great people of Vancouver for putting up with road closures and traffic delays as we film Spider-Man downtown. #YVR #GreatCops.”
Deadpool 2 is set to hit theaters in 2018.
A stunt driver has died on the set of Deadpool during a stunt on a motorcycle. VPD & @WorkSafeBC investigators are at the scene.
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) August 14, 2017
