The stuntwoman who died tragically when she lost control of her motorcycle on the set of Deadpool 2 set on Monday has been identified as Joi Harris, the first black female professional road racer.
According to published reports, Harris was making her film debut as a stunt double when she lost control of her motorcycle and went airborne. She crashed through the plate glass window of the Shaw Tower’s lobby in Vancouver, Canada.
Medics scrambled to render emergency aid, but they couldn’t save her.
Harris was the first black woman licensed to compete in American Motorcyclist Association races.
She was an experienced road racer and had been rehearsing the stunt all day on Saturday, according to WENN.com. She was not wearing a helmet because the Domino character she was performing as stunt double for doesn’t wear one in the scene.
Actress Zazie Beetz plays Domino in Deadpool 2.
Following Harris’ death on Monday, the film’s director David Leitch and star Ryan Reynolds reached out to Harris’ family and loved ones to offer their condolences.
In a statement, the filmmaker says:
“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.”
Reynolds added:
“Today, we tragically lost a member of our crew while filming Deadpool. We’re heartbroken, shocked and devastated… but recognize 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 single person she touched in this world.”
