A 64-year-old film crew veteran died from electrocution on an independent horror movie set near New Orleans, exposing the dangerous working conditions that Hollywood’s profit-driven industry continues to subject hardworking Americans to.
Story Snapshot
- James “Trapper” McAvoy electrocuted by live power line while filming “Kill Me Now” at Louisiana plantation
- Independent production lacked comprehensive safety oversight typical of major studio films
- Jefferson Parish authorities investigating workplace safety violations on November 3rd incident
- Local film community mourns respected crew member described as “one of a kind” by colleagues
Veteran Crew Member Dies in Preventable Workplace Accident
James “Trapper” McAvoy, a seasoned 64-year-old film crew member, lost his life on November 3, 2025, after coming into contact with a live power line while working on the independent horror film “Kill Me Now” at Magnolia Lane Plantation in Bridge City, Louisiana. Emergency responders arrived shortly after the 1:00 PM incident but were unable to revive McAvoy, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office confirmed electrocution as the cause of death, highlighting yet another preventable workplace tragedy in an industry that too often prioritizes profits over worker safety.
Independent Productions Create Dangerous Working Conditions
The incident underscores a troubling pattern where independent film productions operate with significantly fewer safety resources and oversight compared to major studio productions. While Louisiana has attracted numerous film projects through generous tax incentives, this race-to-the-bottom approach often leaves workers vulnerable to hazardous conditions. McAvoy’s death occurred on a working set with multiple crew members present, raising serious questions about whether proper electrical safety protocols were followed and whether adequate safety personnel were on site to identify and mitigate obvious dangers like exposed power lines.
The production company responsible for “Kill Me Now” has remained conspicuously silent, failing to issue any public statement addressing the circumstances that led to McAvoy’s death. This silence speaks volumes about an industry culture that treats workers as expendable while protecting corporate interests. The lack of transparency prevents families, colleagues, and the public from understanding what went wrong and how similar tragedies can be prevented in the future.
Pattern of Industry Negligence Continues Unchecked
This Louisiana tragedy follows a disturbing pattern of on-set fatalities that have plagued Hollywood for years, including the 2014 death of camera assistant Sarah Jones and the 2021 shooting death on the “Rust” set. Each incident prompts temporary hand-wringing about safety standards, yet meaningful reforms never materialize because the industry’s profit-driven culture consistently prioritizes speed and cost-cutting over worker protection. Independent productions face particular scrutiny for operating with minimal safety budgets while expecting crew members to work in potentially hazardous historic locations with aging electrical infrastructure.
Local Community Honors Respected Craftsman
Friends and colleagues remember McAvoy as a dedicated professional who was considered “part of our family” within Louisiana’s tight-knit film community. His decades of experience made him a valuable mentor to younger crew members, and his loss represents not just a personal tragedy but the elimination of irreplaceable knowledge and expertise. The outpouring of tributes demonstrates the human cost of an industry that treats skilled craftsmen like McAvoy as disposable assets rather than the backbone of American film production they truly represent.
As authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding McAvoy’s death, the broader film industry must confront its fundamental disregard for worker safety. Until productions face real consequences for creating dangerous working conditions, more families will suffer the devastating loss that McAvoy’s loved ones now endure. American workers deserve better protection than Hollywood’s current system provides.
Sources:
Horror movie crew member, 64, electrocuted on set near New Orleans – AOL News
