[UPDATE] Bliss N Eso Actor Killed By Gun Loaded With Blanks

24 January 2017 | 8:50 am | Staff Writer

The man has been identified as Johann Ofner

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UPDATE 3pm

Bliss N Eso have released another statement today following the tragic death of Johann Ofner.

"We are devastated about the tragic passing of Johann Ofner. Out of respect to Johann’s family, friends and the on-going investigation we don’t feel it is appropriate for us to make further comment at this time.

"We chose not to disclose Johann’s details yesterday to ensure police had time to contact his family and friends, however this information is now clearly in the public forum. We continue to express our support and condolences to the family and friends of those so deeply affected by this sad event and appreciate your on-going understanding in this incredibly difficult time.
 
"As there have been many varying media reports about what took place yesterday our management team are in the process of issuing further known information to the media."

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It has been confirmed that Ofner was shot by a gun loaded with blanks. 

Management have said in a new statement that all of the appropriate permits were in place for the filming and that licensed armourer was on location at the time to monitor the four firearms on site.

Only professional stunt people were used in the scene that involved the prop guns.

Management have also revealed that the music video being filmed, Friends Like You, contained a scene depicting the robbery of a poker game.

"The poker segment was the final scene to be filmed after a week of filming and was the only scene to feature weapons and was a minor part of the overall story line," the statement reads.

"The song and the video is about having a positive friend or influence in your life that helps you to overcome personal hardships and adversity.

"The music video was written as a short film where multiple story lines based around the theme of the song intersect at the end to ultimately depict a positive outcome against all odds."


ORIGINAL STORY

Following news late yesterday that a man, now identified to be 28-year-old actor and stuntman Johann Ofner, was fatally shot during the filming for a music video in Brisbane, hip hop group Bliss N Eso have offered their condolences in their first public statement.

The Sydney trio write, "The three of us are extremely upset and shaken up by this and our hearts and prayers go out to the victim's family and friends as well as the cast and crew who were involved in the clip today."

At present moment, it is not clear how the shooting occurred, however, ABC reports that Ofner was shot with a blank round at close range, causing two chest wounds.

Bliss N Eso's crew were reportedly filming the video for single Friend Like You at the Brooklyn Standard bar, but the band state they "were not on set at the time". 

Queensland Police are conducting a criminal investigation into the death, however are calling it an accidental "workplace incident".