The stuntwoman who tragically passed away while filming on the set of Deadpool 2 has been identified as Joi “SJ” Harris, a professional road racer.
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Harris was participating in her first film as a stunt performer when the accident occurred. She is the first African American female professional road racer.
Though Harris wasn’t registered with the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television, and Radio Artists, the union confirmed her identity to Deadline.
Witnesses reported they had practiced the stunt many times before filming, and on the last take Harris lost control of her motorcycle and crashed through a plate glass window. She was not wearing a helmet because the character she was portraying, Zazie Beetz’ Domino, wasn’t wearing a helmet in the sequence.
The production of Deadpool 2 was immediately suspended without word of when it will resume.
Deadpool 2 director David Leitch said in a statement, “I’m deeply saddened by the loss of one of our stunt performers today. 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.”
Ryan Reynolds took to social media where he wrote, “Today, we tragically lost a member of our crew while filming Deadpool. We’re heartbroken, shocked, and devastated… but recognize nothing can come close to the grief and inexplicable pain her family and loved ones must feel in this moment. My heart pours out to them — along with each and every person she touched in this world.”
Fox issued a statement as well: “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 is scheduled to hit theaters June 1, 2018.
