'Deadpool 2': Ryan Reynolds responds to shocking death on set

Joi “SJ” Harris, the first African-American female pro road racer, died while filming a stunt on the set of “Deadpool 2.” Lead cast member Ryan Reynolds (Wade) has expressed grief and offered his condolences to the family and friends of the crew member.

In an online post, Reynolds said he and the other members of the production team are “heartbroken, shocked and devastated.” The actor added that nothing can compare to the pain and grief the family and friends of the stuntwoman must be feeling at the moment. See the full message at the bottom.

"Deadpool 2" was supposed to be Harris' first film. While performing a motorcycle stunt in Vancouver, she lost control of the bike and crashed through a plate-glass window, Deadline reports. She was performing the stunt for the character Domino (Zazie Beetz) in this scene.

A source has reportedly said that Harris had been rehearsing the stunt throughout Saturday. Even on the day of filming, the production team is said to have tried the stunt more than five times before the take. Harris apparently did not wear a helmet as the character Domino did not need one in this scene.

The fatality is said to have happened when the bike seemed to accelerate at a point where it was supposed to slow down. Vancouver Police is currently investigating the death.

Filming has reportedly been stopped following the fatality. There is no word yet about when they plan to resume production. Meanwhile, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson also offered condolences to family and friends of Harris, and offered his continued support to the cast and crew of the film.

“Deadpool 2” is scheduled to be released on June 1, 2018 in the US. The release date for Australia is yet to be announced.