Key takeaways:
– Stuntman John Bernecker tragically died while filming ‘The Walking Dead’ in 2017.
– Bernecker’s estate was awarded $8.6 million in civil damages in a wrongful death case verdict in 2019.
– The court determined AMC Studios “not negligent” in Bernecker’s unfortunate demise.
– The trial involved heartfelt testimonies, thorough examination of on-set accident details, and raised concerns about on-set safety.
The Unfortunate Incident
John Bernecker, a notable Hollywood stuntman, endured a fatal fall while filming an episode for ‘The Walking Dead’ Season 8 in 2017. The accident took place when Bernecker was filming a scene with actor Austin Amelio on a small balcony. Bernecker tragically fell over the edge of the balcony, missed the safety pads by mere inches, and landed head-first on the concrete, leading to severe head injuries. In an unfortunate turn of events, Bernecker succumbed to his injuries two days later.
The Incident’s Immediate Aftermath
Initial reactions to the terrible mishap on-set were of shock and sadness. AMC Networks, responsible for the production of the highly popular TV series, announced Bernecker’s sad demise. It was a deeply tragic moment that saw a seasoned stuntman – who previously showcased his talent on major movie sets like ‘Logan’ and ‘The Fate of the Furious’ – losing his life to a tragic accident.
Austin Amelio, the actor who was present during the incident, gave emotional testimony during the trial of this high-profile case. He called the horrific day as the most devastating day of his life, recounting the incident in painful detail.
The Courtroom Drama
Two years after the tragic on-set accident, the wrongful death lawsuit was dredged up again in the Georgia courtroom in 2019. Despite persisting heartbreaking emotions and recalled traumatic memories, the jury decided that the production house AMC Networks was not to be found negligent in John Bernecker’s sad passing. The silver lining in this convoluted lawsuit was the decision to award Bernecker’s family a substantial $8.6 million in civil damages. However, the court clarified that no punitive damages were to be awarded in this case.
The Plot Thickens
Adding a layer of complexity to the case, the jury identified Bernecker as an independent contractor, rather than as an employee of Stalwart Films – the production company behind ‘The Walking Dead’. This distinction was crucial as it could potentially alter future rulings concerning similar cases.
Implications of The Verdict
The trial proceedings shed light on the essential discussion around on-set safety. By illustrating the tragic reality of an on-set accident, it sends out a strong message to the film industry to prioritize safety measures while filming demanding scenes. Even without assigning liability to AMC, the sizable compensation awarded underlines the significance of each life on a movie or television set.
In conclusion, Bernecker’s tragic death leaves behind a legacy of stirring critical attention towards the importance of on-set safety in the film industry. Though the jury’s ruling has provided some closure for Bernecker’s family, it remains a poignant reminder for the film industry to ensure the highest level of safety for all involved in bringing our favorite stories to life. The Walking Dead is currently streaming on AMC+.
In remembrance of John Bernecker: a true professional and a shining star in the world of Hollywood stunts, you will be missed.
