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SDCC: The Walking Dead Panel Starts with John Bernecker Tribute

When an announcement was made that one of The Walking Dead‘s own was hurt on set, a fandom reacted by sending messages of support and love to John Bernecker and those who love him. Bernecker was a highly regarded stuntman and his injury affected people from all across the world.

Friends, family, and co-workers immediately began pouring out messages of hope as well as sharing good times and moments where John inspired them to be better versions of themselves. Just hours after John’s injury, it was reported that he passed away from injuries sustained in the fall.

Some of the most daring, risky, and in your face moments in film and television are performed by stuntmen. Going into a profession where you know you’ll likely go home bruised at the end of your ‘shift’ proves strength and dedication – qualities necessary to be in that line of work. One’s that John possessed.

So when The Walking Dead had their moment at SDCC this afternoon, they started their panel with an ‘In Memoriam’ for John and it was a moving moment for everyone in the audience and on stage. Following the tribute, a moment of silence was also observed for John and the emotion in the room was tangible.

John passed away this week after he was injured doing something he loved: helping tell stories that excite, entertain, and give people escape. He helped make movies and shows for people like everybody in this room. John was someone who was beloved in the stunt community, who helped train people and helped them break  into the business He was living his dream, and he helped other people do the same.’

See, when you’re part of The Walking Dead family, you’re here for life and every impact both small and large – they mean something. John’s contribution to the series and to the fandom isn’t something that will soon be forgotten. His light and his legacy will stay with all of us.