WATCH: Deadpool 2 filming has stopped at Jack Poole Plaza after a stunt involving a motorcycle went horribly wrong Monday morning. Jordan Armstrong speaks with witnesses on the scene in Downtown Vancouver.
A motorcycle stunt rider has died on the set of the movie “Deadpool 2” in Vancouver Monday morning, with the deceased subsequently identified as Joi “SJ” Harris.
Harris was an experience motorcyclist who billed herself as “the first licensed African American women in U.S. history to actively compete in sanctioned motorcycle road racing events,” reports Entertainment Weekly,
Vancouver police confirmed the fatal accident in a release.
There remains a large police presence in the area of Jack Poole Plaza and the Shaw Tower.
Harris was on a motorcycle when something went wrong, sending the motorcycle airborne and crashing through the glass of the Shaw Tower ground floor studio.
Witnesses told Global News they did not hear the motorcycle braking before the incident.
“People were running on the sidewalk, the motorcycle comes flying across the street, looks like from a ramp because it was in the air,” said one witness. “[The rider was] standing on the bike, slams into that building, clearly hit and out-of-control and clearly not planned.”
“It was so out-of-control, it looked like an accident.”
A spokesperson for 20th Century Fox released the following statement: “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.”
“Deadpool 2″ director David Leitch also released a statement regarding the tragic accident. “I’m deeply saddened by the loss of one of our stunt performers today,” he said. “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.”
Lots of police tape is up around the area, including the newer convention centre building.
A major investigation is now underway, and WorkSafeBC has been called.
It does not appear anyone else was injured in the incident.
The area has been closed off to traffic.
This is a developing story, we will update it when more information is confirmed.
