Actor and stuntman Johann Ofner was killed while filming a scene for Sydney hip-hop band Bliss n Eso’s new video, according to reports.
He was just 28 years old.
Johann Ofner was shot in the chest and pronounced dead at the scene, CNN affiliate Seven News confirms, under rather eerie circumstances.
The fatal incident occurred at a bar named Brooklyn Standard, which had been rented out by the band to film the video, reports indicate.
Detective Inspector Tom Armitt told Seven News yesterday that “during the filming [of the music video], several firearms were used.”
He said that a criminal investigation is forthcoming.
“I can’t tell you whether they are live or real firearms,” Armitt said of the situation. “I can’t tell you the type of ammunition that were being used.”
“That will be subject of the investigation,” he adds.
The Mirror (UK) offers chilling details, however.
The actor and stuntman was killed after being shot by a prop gun with “no bullets,” the musicians for the hip hop group reportedly said.
Ofner was blasted in the chest by a weapon, believed to be a shotgun, loaded with blanks, in the Australian city of Brisbane on Monday.
The case appears to share chilling similarities with the infamous death of actor Brandon Lee on the set of the cult classic The Crow.
The 28-year-old son of late martial arts legend Bruce Lee died after a Magnum handgun loaded with blanks was fired at him in 1993.
Brandon’s death sparked a number of conspiracy theories due to the eerie parallels which emerged between the actor and his character.
Not to mention the similar death of his father in 1973.
As for Ofner, police in Brisbane said they continue to investigate his passing, and will issue more information as it becomes available.
“Detectives have today continued to examine the crime scene and will also continue to review closed-circuit television footage,” the police said.
In addition to examining “footage taken during the production,” officers reviewing the case plan to “take further witness statements.”
“A ballistics test is also being conducted as is as a post-mortem examination, however these results may take some time to be returned to police.”
“Police are working with Workplace Health and Safety as well as the Coroner’s office and a report will be prepared in due course.”
Ofner worked as a part-time carpenter and also as a stuntman, and was due to appear in an upcoming season of Australian Ninja Warrior.
In a statement to CNN, the band expressed their condolences to Ofner’s family, saying “the three of us are extremely upset and shaken.”
“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.”
Ofner’s girlfriend, model Kati Garnett, took to Instagram to mourn: “Today the love of my life was taken from me and I still can’t believe it.”
“I don’t know what I’m going to do with out you,” she said, adding “the best people are always taken from us you were a true Angel.”
“I love you so so much forever and ever,” she ended her tribute.
Ofner leaves behind a 6-year-old daughter named Kyarna.
