A Walt Disney World employee has broken his silence after his quick-thinking intervention prevented a potentially catastrophic accident during a live stunt show, an act that left him with significant injuries.
The Moment of Crisis at the Indiana Jones Show
The incident occurred on 30 December at the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular in Disney's Hollywood Studios. A key prop—a large boulder used for decades without issue—launched with unusual force and veered off its tracks, rolling directly towards the audience.
Robert Herrick, a staff member present, described his immediate reaction. He stated that his sole focus was ensuring the heavy object did not reach the crowd. "The only thing going through my mind is that if it came up over the set, and I knew it would, that it cannot hit the audience," Herrick explained. He emphasised he did not pause to consider the personal risk.
Swift Action and Painful Consequences
Despite having no formal training for such an emergency, Herrick acted instinctively. He jumped in front of the boulder's path, successfully altering its trajectory away from the spectators. The impact, however, was severe.
The collision resulted in fractured vertebrae in his neck, whiplash, and a bleeding head wound. His injuries required him to wear a neck brace for a period of eight weeks during his recovery.
Addressing online scepticism about the prop's weight, Herrick was unequivocal. "It's inflatable. It's filled with air. Comments said there's no way it weighs over 400 pounds. It absolutely does," he asserted.
Aftermath and Show Changes
Herrick's selfless actions are believed to have averted serious injuries to multiple guests attending the popular show. In the wake of the alarming event, Disney has modified the performance.
The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is currently being performed without the boulder prop while safety protocols are presumably reviewed. The company has not released an official statement on the long-term future of the stunt element.
Herrick's account provides a stark reminder of the unseen risks sometimes involved in live entertainment and highlights a remarkable instance of staff bravery under pressure.
