Crew member killed in on-set incident filming horror movie in Louisiana: ‘We are devastated by the tragic loss’

Grip James "Trapper" McEvoy died after an incident on the set of "Kill Me Now" on Monday.

By Wesley Stenzel

Wesley Stenzel is a news writer at **. He began writing for EW in 2022.

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November 5, 2025 6:22 p.m. ET

James 'Trapper' McEvoy. Credit:

A crew member has died while shooting a low-budget horror movie in Louisiana.

James "Trapper" McEvoy, a grip who has worked on numerous major Hollywood productions in the Pelican State, died on Monday at 64 following an incident on the set of the film *Kill Me Now*. A cause of death was not immediately available.

** has reached out to representatives for the Jefferson Parish Coroner's Office and Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office for more information.

Lynn Gilman Williams, the lead producer on the film, mourned McEvoy in a statement shared with EW. "We are devastated by the tragic loss of James 'Trapper' McEvoy, a beloved member of the New Orleans film community," she wrote. "Our hearts go out to his family, friends and all who knew him and worked alongside him during this difficult time."

The JPSO told *Variety* that McEvoy died after coming into contact with an energized power line. The outlet reported that he was pronounced dead on the scene around 1 p.m. in Bridge City, La.

McEvoy's union, the IATSE Local 478, shared a statement about the incident on Tuesday, but did not immediately name McEvoy as the decedent.

"We are heartbroken by the loss of a crew member killed in a tragic incident while working on a production here in Louisiana," the union began in a statement on Instagram. "Our film community is close-knit, and when one of us is lost, the pain is felt by all. Our hearts are with the family, friends, and fellow crew members grieving this unimaginable loss."

The union went on to explain that it is working with IATSE International and the Entertainment Community Fund in order to ensure that "support services are available for those affected" by the incident.

"We believe every worker deserves to come home safe, and we remain committed to protecting the safety, dignity, and well-being of all crew members," the union's statement continued. "In the days ahead, we ask our union family and the greater film community to take care of one another. Reach out. Check in. Be there. Grief looks different for everyone, but we can get through it by showing up for each other with respect, compassion, and solidarity."

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On Wednesday, IATSE Local 478, which covers studio mechanics in Louisiana and southern Mississippi and Alabama, announced that McEvoy had died in a follow-up post. "We are deeply saddened by the loss of James 'Trapper' McEvoy," the union wrote.

The group also shared a Google Drive link encouraging McEvoy's colleagues and loved ones to share memories and pictures of the late grip for a forthcoming memorial service. "To help celebrate his life, we’re gathering stories and photos to share with his family and include in a memorial service," the union explained. "Please feel free to share your memories — whether signed or anonymous — as we come together to remember Trapper and the joy he brought to so many."

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McEvoy primarily worked as a grip, a key member on a film or TV set who manages equipment that supports the camera and lighting teams. He worked on several notable Hollywood movies throughout his career, including *Pitch Perfect*, *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button*, *Now You See Me*, *The Mist*, and *Year One*.

McEvoy was also deeply involved in Local 478, serving as 2nd Executive Board Member at Large and representing the union in a local charity golf tournament in 2016.**

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Source: “EW Movies”