AMC and The Walking Dead’s creator, Robert Kirkman, both commented on the tragic accident that took the life of stuntman John Bernecker while at the Television Critics Association summer press tour. Bernecker fell 20 feet and injured his head, leading to several hours of hospital care that could not save his life. The show halted its production on season 8 due to the accident and Kirkman noted during the appearance that everybody on the show was still grieving and processing according to Deadline:
“It’s a tragedy, so it’s something that everyone is dealing with in their own way, and it’s something that will continue to stick with us for years to come.”
President of AMC Charlie Collier shared the same sentiment when he kicked off AMC’s panel earlier on Saturday, explaining the absence of the production crew and the cancellation of their planned panel:
“I want to take a moment to address the fact that today we’re no longer able to present our panel with executive producers of The Walking Dead. Unfortunately, today is the funeral for stuntman John Bernecker and Scott Gimple and others are there. Of course our hearts and our thoughts continue to go out to John’s family and friends.”
Bernecker’s memorial service was held in his native New Orleans at the Lake Lawn Funeral Home, with the producers in attendance. Details about the event aren’t out, but his family are still accepting donations to cover costs and tributes continue to pour in. This one from fellow stuntman Jason Gupton appeared on Instagram:
Kirkman did offer up one detail about how the accident would affect the storyline and filming once the show proceeded with the season, noting that the accident had nothing to do with what was happening in the show itself:
“No storylines were changed, you know, that was a tragic accident. It wasn’t story related, it was just a freak accident that happened on set and it’s something that we’re dealing with, but it hasn’t affected the storyline in any way.”
If anything can be found to be a positive out of the event, this would definitely be it. Not due to the continuation of The Walking Dead unimpeded, but more for the effect that would have on the people behind the show.
(Via Deadline)
