More Details On The Death Of Bliss N Eso Stunt Actor, Johann Ofner

In a media statement sent out from Bliss N Eso and their management, further details surrounding the tragic death of a stunt double on the set of their upcoming film clip have been released.

So, here's what we know now.

According to this statement, emailed out on Tuesday, January 24th, the band enlisted the help of award-winning production company to film a music video for their 2016 single, 'Friend Like You' in Brisbane's Brooklyn Standard bar. Now, that company then engaged an accredited stunt company, who in turn engaged a licensed armourer, to provide theatrical and weapon supplies to be used in their new video clip. The professional stunt person - the deceased - that was employed was Gold Coast actor, Johann Ofner. Ofner was fatally injured on Monday when a prop gun was discharged and hit in the chest as part of a scene in the film clip.

However, the gun was reportedly only loaded with blanks (which can still be dangerous to use) and not live ammunition. The exact cause of Ofner's death is still to be fully confirmed, making this all sound like a terrible freak accident.

Again, in this statement, it is mentioned that the film crew and the management had all of the appropriate permits in place for their filming, and as stated above, a licensed armourer was on location at the time to monitor the four firearms on site; one imitation, two handguns and one shotgun. It is also worth noting that none of the actors engaged by Bliss N Eso via a recent social media callout for this video were involved in the scenes that used the prop guns and it is stressed that only professionals were used in these particular scenes featuring weapons.

Oddly enough, filming for the new Pacific Rim film - Pacific Rim: Uprising - was also taking place in the same area in Brisbane. But according to a publicist for that movie, their filming and work that day had no impact on Ofner's death, the ABC reports.

Bliss N Eso themselves were not on set when this scene was shot and when this subsequent death occurred.

As for the video clip for ‘Friend Like You’ (which comes from the trio's upcoming album, 'Off The Grid', out in March), it is a “sliding doors” fictional story that contained a secondary scene depicting the robbery of a poker game. This poker segment was actually meant to be the final scene filmed after a full week of filming, was the only scene to feature weapons and was a minor part of the clip's overall narrative. Which means that these turn of events taint the songs and videos message of having a positive friend or influence in your life that helps you to overcome personal hardships and adversity. And, if you have ever listened to Bliss N Eso, regardless of your own thoughts on the quality of their music, you'll know they have a very positive, very anti-violence message in their music.

This is a tragic reminder of the potential dangers that stunt actors can face while on the job.

The band also commented about Ofner's passing, saying:

"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.

Much love,

Bliss, Eso and Izm"

Ofner, a father of one, was only 28. He leaves behind his girlfriend and a GoFundMe page in his honour has currently raised over $13,000.

Rest in peace.

[caption id="attachment_1089846" align="alignnone" width="460"] Pictured: Johann Ofner. (Photo: Facebook.)[/caption]