Stuntman John Bernecker has died after suffering a fall on the set of The Walking Dead in Georgia, US. The 33-year-old sustained blunt force trauma and was pronounced dead in hospital, according to a coroner.
AMC Networks confirmed that production on the eighth season of the hit zombie series was temporarily shut down following the 'tragic' accident. Bernecker's family made the decision to remove him from life support so that his organs could be donated, the network said.
Bernecker's other credits include Black Panther, Logan, and the 2015 version of Fantastic Four. The Walking Dead showrunner Scott M Gimple paid tribute, saying: 'Our production is heartbroken by the tragic loss of John Bernecker.'
Actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who plays Negan on the show, wrote on Twitter: 'Deep sorrow today, and for every tomorrow. Love, respect, and condolences to John's family and friends. He will be forever missed.' Kellan Lutz, a star of the Twilight film series, remembered Bernecker as 'one of the best, most talented stuntmen I have ever been blessed to work with.'
The actors' union SAG-AFTRA described Bernecker's death as 'heartbreaking' and said it would work with authorities to investigate the incident. The Walking Dead is due to return to screens in October.
