Filming of the eighth series of The Walking Dead has been halted after the death of one of its crew.
Stuntman John Bernecker had been seriously injured after falling 20 foot while rehearsing a fight.
While the scene was supposed to end with what is described as a “routine fall”, Bernecker lost his footing and hit the concrete below.
Although he was airlifted to Atlanta Medical Center and put on life support he sadly passed away shortly afterwards.
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In a statement before his death was confirmed, AMC, the production company who make The Walking Dead, which stars Brit actor Andrew Lincoln, had said: “We are saddened to report that John Bernecker, a talented stuntman for The Walking Dead and numerous other television shows and films, suffered serious injuries from a tragic accident on set.
“He was immediately transported to an Atlanta hospital and we have temporarily shut down production.
“We are keeping John and his family in our thoughts and prayers.”
As he was being rushed to hospital, a woman thought to be Bernecker’s partner, Jennifer Cocker, shared a heartbreaking message on Facebook.
“John deserves to be seen by every neurosurgeon and doctor there is until one of them sees the life we all know he has in him and bring him back to us… THIS ISN’T FAIR.”
The cast and crew of the hit Zombie series were in deep shock at the news of the accident and had their colleague in their thoughts as they awaited an update on his condition.
Steve Coulter, who played Reg Monroe in season five of TWD, said: ” John Bernecker, a TWD stuntman, was baldly injured in a fall on set yesterday. Please RT & put him in your thoughts and prayers.”
Lauren Cohan who plays Maggie Rhee echoed his sentiments: “Fear Walking Dead family, please keep John, our stunning and his family in your prayers today.”
While recent Attitude cover star Daniel Newman, who plays Daniel in the show, said: “Prayers for our #WalkingDead stuntman John Bernecker & family now!”
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As news broke about his death, his work colleagues expressed their sadness.
Actress Laura Cayouette said: “RIP John – amazing stunt man and all round great guy. So glad we had the privilege of working together.”
Bernecker had previously worked on film and TV shows like Logan, 24: Legacy, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows and Marvel’s Black Panther.