A British Columbia workplace safety investigation has determined that multiple safety errors that contributed to a fatal Deadpool 2 stunt were the fault of Twentieth Century Fox.
According to the WorkSafe B.C. investigation's findings, excerpted in a report from Variety Wednesday, the studio failed to assess stunt risks, didn't allow the performer to wear a helmet, and did not erect barriers that could have prevented the crash.
Stunt rider Joi Harris was ultimately killed during the Aug. 14, 2017 mishap in downtown Vancouver after losing control of the motorcycle and crashing into the side of a building.
In a follow-up statement Wednesday, a Fox rep said safety was the company's "top priority" and explained that the crash had already had an effect on their production procedures.
'Safety is our top priority, and while we respectfully disagree with some of the report's findings, Fox thoroughly reviewed its stunt safety protocols immediately following the tragic accident and has revised and implemented enhanced safety procedures and enforcement," the rep said.
A Harris family attorney, meanwhile, previously said the studio had been "professional and responsible" with how they responded to their since-settled claims.
The investigation also noted that Harris should have been subjected to a new worker orientation, during which she would have been instructed to wear a helmet. WorkSafe B.C. is now said to be weighing the extent of their penalty against the studio.
Deadpool 2, released in May 2018, included a tribute message to the stunt rider during the end credits that read "In memory of Sequana Harris."
