Union says stunt man death a reminder of workplace dangers

An stunt man died on the set of a music video after reportedly being shot in the chest with a prop shotgun.

Johann Ofner, 28, was filming for hip-hop outfit Bliss N Eso at Brisbane bar Brooklyn Standard.

Reports claim an armourer supplied the crew with plastic replicas and a real shotgun with blanks, with a warning that it not be pointed at anyone.

But Ofner was shot in his chest at close range. He died at the scene.

“During the filming of that scene, several firearms were used,” Detective Inspector Armitt  from Qld Police said.

“As a result of the use of those firearms one of the actors has received wounds to the chest and has subsequently died from his injuries.

“At this point in time, Queensland police are conducting a criminal investigation.

“We do not know specifically how those injuries occurred at this point in time and that’ll be (the) subject of our investigation.”

The Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance, said “This tragedy is a stark reminder that the screen industry is inherently dangerous and of the need for total vigilance about workplace safety at all times on set.”

Bliss N Esso were not in attendance at the time.

“We were not on set at the time and our management team are currently working with the police and the production company filming the video to get more details,” they said.

“The three of us are extremely upset and shaken up by this and our hearts and prayers go out to the victim’s family and friends as well as the cast and crew who were involved in the clip today.”

According to his StarNow bio, Johann Ofner was a skilled martial arts expert who had filmed for San Andreas, Blade, Gun Bust and Under The Deep and trained at the Australian Stunt Academy.

He was reportedly due to appear soon an Australian Ninja Warrior, which has completed filming.

Source: ABC, Daily Telegraph, SKY News