Vin Diesel’s Fast and Furious 9 stunt double in ‘coma’ after plunging 30ft in horrific accident at Warner Brothers UK studio
VIN Diesel’s stunt double has been put into a coma after plunging 30ft in a horrific accident at the Warner Brothers studio in Hertfordshire.
Diesel, 52, was said to be in “total shock” and “choking back tears” after Joe Watts fell on his head as he performed a stunt in the actor’s place.
It is feared a safety cable snapped as Joe leapt off a balcony on set and he suffered serious head injuries as he hit the ground below.
His fiancée Tilly Powell wrote on Facebook that her “heart is shattered” over the devastating news.
She said: “Joe has suffered a serious head injury and is in an induced coma. He is stable and is being monitored closely throughout the night.
“I love him so much and my heart is shattered. He has all his family and friends by his side to get him through this!”
Filming was halted immediately after the accident and the cast and crew were sent home “fearing the worst” as the stuntman was rushed to Royal London Hospital.
A source said: “The stuntman fell at least 30ft — maybe a bit more. Vin Diesel was seen on set seconds after. He looked ashen, totally in shock and blinking back tears. He saw what happened.”
The unnamed man, who was said to be acting out Diesel’s role on Fast & Furious 9, fell around noon yesterday. Police confirmed they attended and are carrying out inquiries.
The source said: “They were filming a very high balcony scene. The stuntman leapt from the balcony attached to a safety wire, but it looks like the cable snapped.
“He was meant to be left dangling below the balcony via the wire and then lowered slowly to the ground, but he plunged to the ground and landed on his head.
“There were gasps and screams when the poor guy hit the floor. It’s horrific and obviously all caught on camera. This was handed to police.
“It happened on a brand new set at the studios. Everything has now been closed on set and filming stopped. It’s a crime scene.”
Diesel has had several brushes with tragedy in the past. His stunt double Harry O’Connor was killed filming a para-sailing scene for 2002 action flick xXx.
