The Walking Dead Showrunner, AMC Release Statements On Stuntman’s Death

The Walking Dead showrunner Scott Gimple and AMC have released a statement following the death of stuntman John Bernecker.

AMC noted that Bernecker’s family has decided to donate Bernecker’s organs and remove him from life support.

“John Bernecker’s family has decided that he will be removed from life support, following organ donation,” AMC said. “We are deeply saddened by this loss and our hearts and prayers are with John’s family, friends and colleagues during this extremely difficult time.”

“Our production is heartbroken by the tragic loss of John Bernecker,” Gimple said. “John’s work on The Walking Dead and dozens of other movies and shows will continue to entertain and excite audiences for generations. We are grateful for his contributions, and all of us send our condolences, love, and prayers to John’s family and friends.”

Bernecker suffered a tragic accident while filming a stunt for the eighth season of The Walking Dead. The scene, which involved Dwight actor Austin Amelio, saw Bernecker fall from a balcony on the show’s Sanctuary set. He is said to have missed his landing by inches.

SAG-AFTRA released a statement on the incident and plans to launch and investigation into safety on the set of The Walking Dead.

“SAG-AFTRA offers its deepest condolences to the friends and family of John Bernecker, an accomplished stunt performer who passed away after a fall on the set of The Walking Dead in Georgia,” SAG-AFTRA’s statement reads. “This tragic and untimely loss of a member of the SAG-AFTRA family is heartbreaking, and our thoughts are with his loved ones and his friends and colleagues in the Georgia production community.

“The safety of our members is paramount,” the statement continues. “We will work with the authorities and closely monitor their investigations into this tragic incident.”

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Fear the Walking Dead returns September 10. The Walking Dead will return for its eighth season in October with a trailer coming in July at San Diego Comic Con. For complete coverage and insider info all season long, follow @BrandonDavisBD on Twitter