A tragic incident occurred on the set of an independent horror film in Louisiana on Monday, resulting in the electrocution of a crew member. James McEvoy, 64, known as “Trapper,” was working as a grip on the film “Kill Me Now,” which had just begun production in the New Orleans area.
McEvoy was operating a bucket truck at a significant height when he came into contact with a live power line, leading to his electrocution around 1 p.m., as reported by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The filming location, Magnolia Lane Plantation, has been previously used in the production of the 2013 Oscar-winning film, “12 Years a Slave.”
The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office has confirmed that electrocution was likely the cause of McEvoy’s death. However, other preliminary tests, including a toxicology report, are still underway to determine if there were any contributing factors to the incident.
The film community in New Orleans is mourning the loss of McEvoy. Lynn Gilman Williams, a lead producer on “Kill Me Now,” expressed her grief in a statement, saying, “We are devastated by the tragic loss of James ‘Trapper’ McEvoy, a beloved member of the New Orleans film community. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and all who knew him and worked alongside him during this difficult time.”
McEvoy was a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), which released a statement acknowledging the tragic incident and the loss of a fellow member. Although McEvoy was not mentioned by name, many of his close friends identified him in the comments.
The IATSE expressed their condolences to the family and crew, emphasizing the importance of safety at work. Many of McEvoy’s friends and colleagues also paid tribute to him, praising his professionalism, respect for others, and his significant contribution to the film industry.
McEvoy had a long and successful career in the film industry, working as a rigging grip on many critically acclaimed films. His role typically involved setting up the camera and lighting equipment. His filmography includes classics from the late 2000s, such as “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” He was also an executive producer on “Whiteness,” a historical dramedy currently in post-production.