Fans of the AMC hit series The Walking Dead are mourning after a tragic incident on set left 33-year-old stuntman John Bernecker dead, Entertainment Weekly reports.Â
While filming for Season 8, Bernecker reportedly fell more than 20 feet, hitting the concrete below him. After the incident, he was taken to the hospital, and filming for the show was temporarily halted. The Atlanta Medical Center was unable to save Bernecker—he died from his blunt force trauma injuries on Wednesday.
The Walking Dead is one of many productions Bernecker had done stunts for. Others included 22 Jump Street, The Fate of the Furious, Logan and Get Hard.
Castmates, the stunt community and fans are all grieving today. Walking Dead star Lauren Cohan was among those who tweeted their condolences.
Dear Walking Dead Family, please keep John Bernecker, our stuntman and his family in your prayers today.
— Lauren Cohan (@LaurenCohan) July 13, 2017
#JohnBernecker was one of the best most talented stuntmen I have ever been blessed to work with. Praying for his family and loved ones!
— Kellan Lutz (@kellanlutz) July 14, 2017
R.I.P. John Bernecker -amazing #stunt man & all around great guy. So glad we had the privilege of working together. I’ll treasure that time. pic.twitter.com/AiukBXCydv
— Laura Cayouette (@KnowSmallParts) July 13, 2017
John Bernecker doubled me this season for a spectacular stunt on Turn S4. He was a beautiful, positive, meticulous professional who made…
— samuel roukin (@samuelroukin) July 14, 2017
…a career out of making other people look good. In the short time I knew him I was deeply impressed. I am so sad to hear he has passed…
— samuel roukin (@samuelroukin) July 14, 2017
Can’t stop thinking about John Bernecker. All of my love and hopes for solace goes out to his loved ones and our community.
— JordanWoods-Robinson (@jwoodsrobinson) July 14, 2017
Bernecker’s death is being investigated by SAG-AFTRA. A spokesperson released a statement expressing condolences and concern while reminding fans that regulating safety precautions on set is their number one focus. “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.”Â