The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) is mourning the loss of one of its members following a tragic on-set incident in New Orleans on Monday that claimed the life of a local crew member.
According to Deadline, the victim is believed to be James “Trapper” McEvoy, a grip and longtime member of IATSE Local 478, who is suspected to have died by electrocution while working on a production shooting in the area.
Friends and colleagues shared their grief on social media Monday evening, describing McEvoy as a beloved and hardworking professional. Deven Schruff, a New Orleans-based locations manager known for his work on Sinners and Your Honor, confirmed the news in a post, writing, “Heartbreaking, I have been so saddened by this news all day. Hugs, love and light to all of my film brothers and sisters. Praying for comfort for his family and all who loved our sweet Trapper.”
In a statement posted on Instagram, IATSE International President Matt Loeb expressed the union’s sorrow and emphasized the importance of safety on film sets:
“Today we grieve the loss of one of our fellow members who was killed in a tragic incident on a production shooting in Louisiana. Our deepest condolences are with the family who lost a loved one, and the crew who lost a friend and colleague. All workers have a right to safety on the job.”
Loeb added that IATSE has engaged the Entertainment Community Fund to provide counseling for affected crew members and has dispatched an IATSE representative to Louisiana to support members and local unions during this difficult time.
As of now, neither IATSE Local 478, the local film office, nor the coroner’s office has released further details about the incident or the production involved.
The tragedy has sent ripples through the New Orleans film community, which continues to rally around McEvoy’s family and colleagues as investigations into the fatal accident continue.
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) is mourning the loss of one of its members following a tragic on-set incident in New Orleans on Monday that claimed the life of a local crew member.
According to Deadline, the victim is believed to be James “Trapper” McEvoy, a grip and longtime member of IATSE Local 478, who is suspected to have died by electrocution while working on a production shooting in the area.
Friends and colleagues shared their grief on social media Monday evening, describing McEvoy as a beloved and hardworking professional. Deven Schruff, a New Orleans-based locations manager known for his work on Sinners and Your Honor, confirmed the news in a post, writing, “Heartbreaking, I have been so saddened by this news all day. Hugs, love and light to all of my film brothers and sisters. Praying for comfort for his family and all who loved our sweet Trapper.”
In a statement posted on Instagram, IATSE International President Matt Loeb expressed the union’s sorrow and emphasized the importance of safety on film sets:
“Today we grieve the loss of one of our fellow members who was killed in a tragic incident on a production shooting in Louisiana. Our deepest condolences are with the family who lost a loved one, and the crew who lost a friend and colleague. All workers have a right to safety on the job.”
Loeb added that IATSE has engaged the Entertainment Community Fund to provide counseling for affected crew members and has dispatched an IATSE representative to Louisiana to support members and local unions during this difficult time.
As of now, neither IATSE Local 478, the local film office, nor the coroner’s office has released further details about the incident or the production involved.
The tragedy has sent ripples through the New Orleans film community, which continues to rally around McEvoy’s family and colleagues as investigations into the fatal accident continue.
