Tragic Incident on Louisiana Film Set
A crew member tragically lost his life after being electrocuted while filming an independent horror movie in Louisiana, according to police reports from earlier this week.
The victim, 64-year-old James “Trapper” McEvoy, was working as a cinematographer on the horror film titled “Kill Me Now.” Filming had just commenced in the New Orleans area.
The accident occurred around 1 PM on Monday when McEvoy came into contact with a live power line while operating a bucket truck at a height. This detail was confirmed by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Magnolia Lane Plantation, the location of the shoot, notably appeared in the Oscar-winning film “The Night Is Over” back in 2013.
Authorities from the Jefferson Parish Medical Examiner’s Office noted that while electrocution is likely the cause of death, results from other tests, including a toxicology report which could indicate other contributing factors, are still pending.
In a statement, Lynn Gilman Williams, the lead producer of “Kill Me Now,” expressed devastation over McEvoy’s death, calling him a cherished member of the local film community. She extended condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this painful time.
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) released a brief statement mentioning they had “lost one of their fellow members” due to a “tragic incident while filming a production in Louisiana.” While McEvoy’s name wasn’t explicitly stated, many of his friends recognized the tribute.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to those who lost loved ones and to the crew mourning their friends and colleagues. All workers deserve safe working conditions,” IATSE stated.
One individual remarked, “May Trapper’s family and friends find solace in this tough time; may his memory ultimately lead to greater safety for all.” There’s certainly something special about how people choose to honor those they’ve lost.
McEvoy was highly respected in the industry, known for treating everyone with equal respect, something not always seen, especially from those with his level of expertise. He worked behind the scenes on numerous notable films, including “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” Additionally, he served as an executive producer on the historical drama “Whiteness,” which is currently in post-production.
