It has been confirmed that an unidentified female stunt driver has died on the set of Marvel’s Deadpool 2.
“I’m deeply saddened by the loss of one of our stunt performers today,” director David Leitch said in a statement to PEOPLE.
“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.”
Apparently, the female stunt motorist died during a motorcycle trick which went fatally wrong and the Vancouver Police Department has confirmed the death.
Officers from the department responded to the scene of the accident earlier today alongside officers from WorkSafeBC.
Deadpool 2, which stars Ryan Reynolds, was the stunt performer’s first film, according to Deadline, and she was a motorcross expert.
However, it has been established that she was not wearing a helmet during the shoot because her character does not wear one.
“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.” 20th Century Fox said in a statement yesterday.
Witness of Deadpool 2 crash: motorbike picked up speed, missed pedestrians https://t.co/W237VlDggr pic.twitter.com/cyDhCZSmvP
— The Star Vancouver (@starvancouver) August 14, 2017
Eyewitnesses at the incident stated how the driver lost control of her motorcycle, jumped a kerb and crashed through a plate-glass window at Shaw Tower.
Metro News reported that she scarcely missed hitting two pedestrians before the collision. She was treated by ambulance workers but died at the scene.
Ambulance has left set of Deadpool 2 with injured stunt person. Lights and sirens were not on as it pulled away. @CTVVancouver pic.twitter.com/iMheLitA7q
— Ben Miljure (@CTVNewsBen) August 14, 2017
Another bystander also stated previously that the stunt performer had successfully rehearsed the act a few times which required a motorbike to go down two ramps across several stairs.
Ryan Reynolds expressed his deepest sympathies as he tweeted out a simple statement, stating that he and the crew are “heartbroken, shocked and devastated”.
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) August 14, 2017
Only just last week Reynolds tweeted a photograph with members of the Vancouver Police Department, jokingly expressing thanks to them for their support in shooting Spider-Man.
Thank you #VPD. And the great people of Vancouver for putting up with road closures and traffic delays as we film Spider-Man downtown. pic.twitter.com/EweL1TtM2k
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) August 8, 2017
Unfortunately, they were needed for another reason this time but we do thank them for their efforts to try and save the lady in need.
We ask you to keep the family, friends of the female performer and the crew of Deadpool 2 in your thoughts.