The experienced stunt performer died earlier this month after falling 20 feet from a platform onto a concrete floor whilst filming for season eight of the zombie series.
The Walking Dead executive producers Gale Ann Hurd, Robert Kirkman, Dave Alpert and Greg Nicotero along with Scott M. Gimple were set to appear on a panel at tomorrow’s Television Critics Association tour but will skip the appearance in order to attend Bernecker’s funeral, AMC announced yesterday.
Season eight’s production was temporarily halted in the aftermath of the accident on July 12 and resumed five days later.
At The Walking Dead panel at Comic-con last week, Gimple read a touching statement about Bernecker, saying: “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,” he continued. “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,” Gimple said.
The panel followed on from one by their Fear The Walking Dead spin-off, which opened with a moment’s silence for Bernecker.
The stuntman, whose career featured work on Looper, 22 Jump Street and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 and Part 2, passed away at Atlanta Medical Centre after the accident which occurred whilst rehearsing a fight scene that included a routine fall from a balcony.
Gimple previously paid tribute to Bernecker after news broke of his death, releasing a statement which said: “John’s work on The Walking Dead and dozens of other movies and shows will continue to entertain and excite audiences for generations.
“We are grateful for his contributions, and all of us send our condolences, love and prayers to John’s family and friends.”
The Walking dead season 8 will return October 22 on AMC and will follow a day later on Fox in the UK.
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