This week is a particularly exciting one for hardcore TV fans. Because in addition to the fall premieres that aired during the week, this Sunday will be the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards. Fans are eager to see which small screen favorites will take home a statue, although there are quite a few events that accompany a ceremony of this sort. One of which is the in memoriam presentation, which honors the fallen members of the television community. And now it appears that the stuntman who died on the set of The Walking Dead will have his very own tribute.
Stunt performer John Bernecker tragically died this past July after falling from a great height onset. This tragedy was no doubt a sobering experience for everyone on set, as well as the TV community in general. And ahead of Sunday's Emmy Awards, the television academy asked Bernecker's mother to not only attend the awards, but accept his honor. Susan Sherlock-Bernecker described this offer, saying:
I've never heard of them doing that for a stunt guy, you know. It's usually the big actors. And she goes, 'Oh no, we loved him.' And I said, 'You too?'
That's certainly touching, and a great way to honor the loss that the Bernecker family has been dealing with over the course of the past few months.
News of John Bernecker's death shocked Walking Dead audiences and TV fans alike when the news hit this summer. While working on AMC's massively popular zombie apocalypse, Bernecker unfortunately suffered a massive fall. And while he was rushed to the hospital shortly after, he unfortunately died from his injuries a few days later.
But Susan Sherlock-Bernecker seems intent on honoring her son's legacy, particular his generous spirit. She also shared this with WWLTV, saying:
He was paying other people's rent to help them make it. Now who does that in a movie and TV business? So he was helping other people. He wanted them to be just as successful as he was.
John Bernecker's tragic passing is just the latest in a series of sobering accidents that have occurred on major film sets in the past year or so. Just a month ago, a stuntwoman had a tragic accident on the set of Deadpool 2, causing the highly anticipated blockbuster to temporarily delay its filming schedule. And last year a crew member died on the set of Resident Evil: The Final Chapter. Additionally Maze Runner lead actor Dylan O'Brien was seriously injured on the set of The Death Cure, and Tom Cruise just injured himself as well. Perhaps these myriad incidents will inspire filmmakers to be especially careful with their set work in the future.
You can see John Bernecker's tribute at the Emmy Awards this Sunday. In the meantime, check out our fall premiere list to plan your next binge watch.
