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'Walking Dead' Stuntman's Family Awarded $8.6 Million After On-Set Fall

The estate of The Walking Dead stuntman John Bernecker has been awarded $8.6 million in civil damages in his wrongful death trial.

A jury reached a verdict on Thursday (December 19) in Georgia, People reports.

While AMC Networks was found not liable or negligent in John‘s death, the jury did find the Walking Dead production company Stalwart Films and some crew members — including John — partially responsible.

John died in July 2017 after a falling over 20 feet onto a cement floor while on set during production of season eight.

“My sincere hope is this verdict sends a clear message regarding the need to both elevate and strictly adhere to industry safety standards every day, on every shoot, on every film set,” attorney Jeffrey Harris, who represented John’s family, said in a statement. “John’s tragic and preventable death happened as a result of a series of safety-related failures. Learning from these failures will go a long way in making sure that similar tragedies do not happen to another performer or another family.”

”There is no winning or losing in this situation, this was a terrible and tragic accident and our sympathies continue to go out to John Bernecker’s family and friends,” AMC said in a statement. “The set of The Walking Dead is safe and is managed to meet or exceed all industry standards and guidelines related to stunts and stunt safety. That has been the case across the production of 10 seasons and more than 150 episodes, and it continues to be the case today, notwithstanding this very sad and isolated accident.”

READ MORE: ‘Walking Dead’ Stuntman’s Mother Files Lawsuit Accusing AMC of Cutting Corners

'Walking Dead' Stuntman's Mother Files Lawsuit Accusing AMC of Cutting Corners

The mother of the Walking Dead stuntman who passed away on the show’s set last year is now filing a lawsuit against AMC.

John Bernecker died after falling head-first onto a concrete floor from 22-feet above and his mother Susan says the network cut corners when it came to safety precautions.

Susan is accusing AMC of putting profits ahead of safety and skimping on the show’s stunt budget.

She says the network did not provide adequate cushioning beneath the balcony, did not ensure that the scene was rehearsed and did not have an ambulance on scene.

“The AMC defendants orchestrated and enforced a pattern of filming and producing The Walking Dead cheaply and ultimately unsafely. As part of this emphasis, the AMC defendants pressured Stalwart Films to maintain unreasonably low budgets and expenses for episodes, including the budget allotted to stunts. Accordingly, the production of The Walking Dead repeatedly cut corners on safety precautions,” the suit reads.

In a statement, AMC commented on their safety standards.

“Our thoughts and prayers are and have been with John Bernecker, his family, friends and everyone touched by this tragic accident since the moment it occurred. We take the safety of our employees on all of our sets extremely seriously, and meet or exceed industry safety standards. Out of respect for the family, we will have no further comment on this litigation,” the network said.

'Walking Dead' Stuntman John Bernecker's Mom Speaks Out After His Death, Sets Up Memorial Site

Susan Bernecker, the mother of late stuntman John Bernecker, is speaking out after he tragically passed away after an accident on the set of The Walking Dead earlier this month.

John was a respected stunt actor who has worked on such films as Logan, Get Out, Fantastic Four, and more.

“Thank you to all who are concerned and loved my son, John. Your outpouring of love for him is magnificent,” Susan said in a statement provided exclusively to JustJared.com.

“Because of so much false press the only official site for John Bernecker at this time is LiveLikeJohnBernecker.com,” she added. “In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated and can be made on the website.”

Funeral services for John will take place this Saturday (July 29) in New Orleans. We continue to send our thoughts and condolences to all of his loved ones during this difficult time.

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John Bernecker Dead - 'Walking Dead' Stuntman Dies After Fall

John Bernecker, the stuntman who was injured during an accident on the set of The Walking Dead, has sadly died.

Bernecker suffered a serious head injury after falling more than 20 feet onto a concrete floor on Wednesday (July 12) on set in Atlanta. He succumbed to his injuries while being treated at Atlanta Medical Center, the coroner confirmed to Variety.

Production on The Walking Dead was halted amid the tragedy and AMC released a statement to send their thoughts to John and his family.

We send our condolences to all of John‘s loved ones during this difficult time.