A heartbroken Ryan Reynolds has paid tribute to the stuntwoman who died on the set of Deadpool 2 on Monday.
The female stunt driver, who has since been identified as pro motorcycle racer Joi ‘SJ’ Harris, died during a motorcycle stunt.
Officers responded to the scene of the accident earlier in the day, along with officers from WorkSafeBC, after Harris lost control of her bike during a stunt, jumped a curb and crashed through a plate-glass window at Shaw Tower.
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) August 14, 2017
Reynolds tweeted:
“Today, we tragically lost a member of our crew while filming Deadpool. We’re heartbroken, shocked and devastated… but recognize [sic] 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.”
Director David Leitch, echoed Reynold’s sentiments in a statement to PEOPLE:
“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.”
Stunt person hurt on set of Deadpool 2 loaded into Advanced Life Support ambulance that hasn't moved. Anxious crew looking on. @CTVVancouver pic.twitter.com/iTU2awp7Qs
— Ben Miljure (@CTVNewsBen) August 14, 2017
This was Harris’ first outing as a stunt performer, having made her name as a professional motorbike racer. It is thought she was doubling for Zazie Beetz, the actress who is playing Domino in Deadpool 2.
Harris was the first licensed African-American woman in U.S. history to actively compete in AMA sanctioned racing events.
Her legacy will always be remembered.
