Lone Ranger Crew Member Dies in On-Set Drowning

Cast and crew of the upcoming Johnny Depp vehicle are in mourning after losing one of its own.

By Josh Grossberg Sep 21, 2012 8:36 PMTags
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Tragedy has struck The Lone Ranger.

A crew member on the Gore Verbinski-helmed Disney blockbuster remake starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer has died after drowning on the set.

"We regretfully confirm that a Lone Ranger crew member has passed away after being taken to a local hospital. Our hearts and thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues at this time, and our full support is behind the investigation into the circumstances of this terrible event," the studio said in a statement to E! News.

The unidentified man had been working as a diver in a scene that involved a water tank when some kind of mishap occurred, according to TMZ, which first reported the incident. Fellow crew members called 911 and medical personnel responded immediately to find the crewman in full cardiac arrest. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead after doctors failed to restart his heart. The accident did not take place while cameras were rolling.

The Lone Ranger had been shooting thoughout the southwest before moving to Los Angeles this month. It is scheduled to hit theaters on July 3, 2013.