Marvel TV series tragedy as crew member dies on set of Wonder Man

Virgin Radio

7 Feb 2024, 16:34

A somber atmosphere envelops the production of the upcoming Marvel TV series Wonder Man, as a crew member lost his life in a tragic accident on set.

The unfortunate incident occurred on a high walkway at the Radford Studio Centre in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

It's reported that the accident happened when filming was not in progress.

The victim has been identified as 41-year-old Juan Osorio, believed to be a lighting technician, according to the coroner.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, seeking to understand the events leading to the crew member's untimely death.

Marvel, deeply affected by the tragedy, expressed their condolences and pledged support for the investigation.

A Marvel spokesperson issued a statement, saying: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and friends, and our support is behind the investigation into the circumstances of this accident."

Wonder Man, the Disney+ series in question, stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Ben Kingsley.

The show's filming, initially scheduled to resume in March, faced delays due to recent Hollywood strikes.

The series revolves around the character Simon Williams, who embarks on a superhero journey after receiving supernatural powers.

While accidents resulting in fatalities on film and TV sets are relatively uncommon, the industry has witnessed tragic incidents in recent years.

In 2021, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins lost her life, and director Joel Souza was injured when a firearm discharged on the set of the film Rust.

Actor Alec Baldwin, involved in the incident, has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

Another unsettling incident occurred during the production of the Gladiator sequel in Morocco in 2022, where several crew members sustained injuries in a stunt gone wrong.

Tragically, in 2018, a production assistant on the set of the TV series Power lost his life after being struck by a car.

The incident was later determined to be an accident.

The entertainment industry faces the harsh reality of ensuring safety on sets, prompting ongoing efforts to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.

As the investigation into the death of Juan Osorio unfolds, the industry reflects on the need for stringent safety measures to protect those who contribute to the magic of storytelling.