On early Monday morning, a stunt driver died on the set of Deadpool 2 in Vancouver.
The stunt driver was identified as Joi ‘SJ’ Harris. Joi was the first woman African-American road racer, and she lost her life when she was performing a trick with her motorcycle. This sad event took place in Vancouver where the sequel to Deadpool is currently being filmed. Production of Deadpool 2 started in June.
The Vancouver Police Department released a statement following this tragic event. ‘Vancouver police can confirm that a female stunt driver has died on the set of ‘Deadpool’ during a stunt on a motorcycle.’ This tragic accident took place around 8.20 am on Monday, Joi was driving her bike through the glass of the Shaw Tower’s ground floor studio.
Trish Knight Chernecki, a WorkSafeBC spokesperson claimed that the agency has already started a long-term investigation into the accident. Trish stated that five of the officers are currently working on discovering as much as they can on the scene.
Actor Ryan Reynolds posted a heartfelt message on Twitter later this Monday claiming how the production is ‘heartbroken, shocked and devastated’ following the tragic death.
We have also acquired a comment from a spokesman for 20th Century Fox. These were his exact words on the matter: ‘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.’
David Leitch, the director, was also shocked by this sad event. ‘I’m deeply saddened by the loss of one of our stunt performers today’ he wrote. ‘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.’
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) August 14, 2017
Ben Miljure was on the ground with the local news station CTV Vancouver when this accident happened. The reporter claimed that the stuntman was carried immediately to an Advanced Life Support Ambulance however after 45 minutes the vehicle left the scene without turning on its lights or sirens which meant only one thing.
Prior to her accident Harris successfully performed this trick at least 4 times. Global News network crew witnessed Joi’s successful completion of the stunt but sadly the fifth time they weren’t around, and it was exactly then when she lost her life.
Deadpool 2 is being directed by David Leitch, and it stars Ryan Reynolds who plays the beloved Deadpool. Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick wrote the script for this movie. The sequel to the 2016 box office hit added Zazie Beetz and Josh Brolin who now play key roles in the upcoming film. This movie is set to arrive for theatrical release on June 1, 2018.
We are truly saddened by this event, and our thoughts are with Joi’s family.
