Insights on Crew Member Injuries during Filming of Eddie Murphy's 'The Pickup'
Discover the details surrounding the injuries sustained by crew members when two vehicles collided on the set of Eddie Murphy's film 'The Pickup'. Learn more about the incident and its impact on the production.
Several crew members were injured on the set of Eddie Murphy's upcoming movie The Pickup when two vehicles collided.
An Amazon MGM studios spokesperson told the Associated Press that the sequence did not go as planned, resulting in injuries to several crew members. They are still investigating the incident that occurred on April 20, 2024, and their main focus is on the recovery of those affected.
The spokesperson emphasized that the safety and health of the crew and cast are top priorities during filming. They assured that the highest safety standards were followed and monitored throughout the shoot.
Now, let's take a look at what we currently know about the injuries sustained by crew members on the set of The Pickup:
Unexpected Incident on the Set of Eddie Murphy’s ‘The Pickup’
The mishap occurred on the set located outside of Atlanta, where filming for The Pickup had been ongoing since February 2024. According to the Associated Press, a collision happened when a truck malfunctioned and collided with a car. An individual, who preferred to remain unnamed, described the incident as a "completely freak accident," mentioning that the scene being shot at the time was not considered a risky or complex stunt.
A video captured by The New York Times revealed a truck pulling up next to an S.U.V. and then suddenly swerving into it. Both vehicles ended up veering off the road and rolling over before landing back upright.
According to Georgia State police, the S.U.V. only had the driver inside, while the truck had seven crew members. Five of the crew members were seated in the back of the truck, secured with seatbelts attached to the walls.
How Many Crew Members Were Injured?
Law enforcement stated that during the stunt where the two vehicles were meant to collide, an accident occurred. When the truck's brush guard made contact with the S.U.V.'s wheel well, it resulted in an unexpected entanglement.
One crew member suffered 'extensive bodily injuries'.
What We Know About the Crew Member Injuries on Set of Eddie Murphy’s ‘The Pickup’
Marvin Haven Courtesy of Sean Fisher/GoFundMe
A GoFundMe page was created for crew member Marvin Haven who sustained severe injuries from the crash. He suffered broken ribs, multiple fractures in his neck and back, a shattered scapula, punctured lung, and a skull fracture that will need facial reconstructive surgery.
The fundraising goal for the page is $100,000. It mentions that Haven has been a dolly grip for 26 years and is deeply dedicated to his wife, Melissa.
Is the Incident Being Investigated?
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), who represents crew members, has begun investigating the accident, as reported by Variety.
The U.S. Labor Department is currently investigating the incident. According to Eric Lucero, a spokesperson for the department, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has started an investigation.
Eddie Murphy's Presence During 'The Pickup' Accident
What We Know About the Crew Member Injuries on Set of Eddie Murphy’s ‘The Pickup’
Bellocqimages/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
Eddie Murphy's Response to the Incident
Eddie Murphy, who stars in and coproduces the upcoming heist film, was reportedly not on set at the time of the crash. Keke Palmer and Pete Davidson, his costars, were also not present.
Has Eddie Murphy addressed the incident?
Murphy has not yet spoken out about the accident on the set of The Pickup.
Editor's P/S:
The tragic accident on the set of Eddie Murphy's "The Pickup" highlights the inherent risks involved in filmmaking, particularly during stunt sequences. It is heart-wrenching to learn of the injuries sustained by several crew members, especially the severe injuries suffered by Marvin Haven. The GoFundMe page created for him underscores the financial and emotional toll such incidents can have on the victims and their families.
The ongoing investigation by IATSE and the U.S. Labor Department is crucial to determining the cause of the accident and ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The safety and well-being of cast and crew should always be the paramount concern on any film set. It is hoped that a thorough investigation will shed light on the events leading up to the accident and lead to improved safety protocols for the industry.
