'Deadpool 2' investigation over stuntwoman's death finds 'multiple safety violations'

An investigation into the death of a stunt performer on the set of Deadpool 2 has found that producers 20th Century Fox violated multiple safety procedures.

Joi 'SJ' Harris died on the movie's set in Vancouver in August of 2017, after she lost control of a high-power 900cc motorbike and was thrown through the window of a building.

She was killed instantly.

In all, Canadian safety watchdog WorkSafeBC detailed five violations, including failing to ensure that Harris was wearing a crash helmet (and instructing her not to wear safety headgear), failing to conduct a proper risk assessment and a failure to erect barriers to prevent the motorbike leaving the set location.

Read more: Fox settles with family of Deadpool 2 stuntwoman

The ruling has recommended there be ‘an administrative penalty where violations of the Workers Compensation Act or the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation have occurred. WorkSafeBC is now considering a penalty based on the findings of the IIR’.

According to The Wrap, Fox says that it disputes some of the claims made in the investigation.

It said in a statement: “Safety is our top priority, and while we respectfully disagree with some of the report’s findings, Fox thoroughly reviewed its stunt safety protocols immediately following the tragic accident and has revised and implemented enhanced safety procedures and enforcement.”

Harris, who was standing in for actress Zazie Beetz, was a pro-motorbike racer, but had never done any stunt work before working on the superhero movie.

Following the accident, both Beetz and star Ryan Reynolds paid tribute to her.

Fox settled with Harris's family in April this year for an undisclosed sum.

Following the accident, many stunt performers criticised using someone so inexperienced for the dangerous stunt.

One stunt veteran told The Hollywood Reporter: “It absolutely could have been prevented. Joi was totally unqualified and never should have been there or put in that position.

“Joi had never been in a film or done any sort of stunt. She was just a girl from Brooklyn who liked to road race — which was not remotely similar to what was required for the shots. She didn't have the experience or skills for the job they brought her in for.”

The movie was directed by David Leitch, who made his debut helming John Wick, having previously been a stunt performer and stunt coordinator himself.