IATSE Mourns Crew Member Killed During Production in Louisiana

IATSE is mourning a crew member who was killed during production in Louisiana.

In a statement to Variety, IATSE said, “Today we grieve the loss of one of our fellow members who was killed in a tragic incident on a production filming 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. We have engaged the Entertainment Community Fund to provide counseling for crew members and are sending an IATSE representative to Louisiana to support the members and Local Unions on the ground there.”

The victim was a member of IATSE Local 478. A spokesperson for the Local was unable to confirm the victim’s name nor production out of respect for the family’s privacy. Mason McGuire, a local key grip and gaffer, commented on IATSE’s Instagram post that the film was an independent feature that was supposed to start principal photography today.

The Local 478 covers the art department, construction, allied crafts, electrics, greens, grips and props. According to its website, its jurisdiction encompasses the entire state of Louisiana, all areas south of the 33rd parallel in Mississippi, and a 60-mile radius around Mobile within Alabama boundaries.

Friends of the victim left messages of condolences on IATSE’s Facebook post. McGuire wrote, “He was a great man and friend of over 20 years. His loss is great and he will be dearly missed.”

James Rushin, a fellow IATSE member and on-set greensman posted, “R.i.p brother Trapper.
He was a good man, highly respected and admired by everyone I know here at the 478. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.”