Disney Fined $36,000 For Fatal Accident on the Set of ‘Wonder Man’
Tragedy struck last February when Juan Carlos “Spike” Osorio fell to his death while working on the Marvel Studios production Wonder Man.
At the time, Osorio was working as a rigger on a catwalk at Radford Studios, though the upcoming Disney+ series was not filming at the time.
Following the accident, Marvel quickly released a statement expressing their condolence and supporting an investigation into the incident.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and friends. Our support is behind the investigation into the circumstances of this accident,” a Marvel spokesman said.
Cal/Osha Files Their Report
Six months later, the aforementioned investigation has now ended, and Disney has been fined $36,000.
According to a Cal/OSHA report, the catwalk Osorio was walking on had a deteriorated section of wood that was “improperly” nailed to a roof support.
“The deteriorated ledger was weakened likely due to age, environmental conditions, and repeated stress loads over many decades,” the investigative summary states.
“As the crew walked along the catwalks, the employee stood on the weakened section of catwalk. Suddenly, and without warning, the ledger supporting the floorboard broke apart and collapsed as the employee was standing on this section of catwalk. The employee fell 41 feet and forcefully impacted the ground below.”
In addition to the Disney fine, Cal/Osha also gave Radford Studios two citations each for $22,500.
Osorio’s Family Is Suing Radford Studios
Last May, Osorio’s widow, Joanne Osorio-Wu, and his mother, Zoila, filed a wrongful death suit against Radford. They allege that the facility should have known that the catwalks “were in a dilapidated condition and in desperate need of repair.”
According to the family’s lawyer, Erika Contreras, the investigation confirms the family’s accusations.
“The citations issued by OSHA against Radford Studio Center confirm that Mr. Osorio’s death was 100% preventable,” Contreras said. “It also confirms Radford Studio Center failed in its non-delegable duty to properly maintain, repair and inspect its premises. Unfortunately, Mr. Osorio paid the ultimate price for Radford’s failure.”