Special effects coordinator Warren Appleby — an employee with 25 years experience in the film industry — died during a test for the DC Universe-set show at the Acme FX facility on Thursday (July 18).
Police said that Appleby was hit by metal after a piece of equipment exploded. He died on his way to the hospital.
Production will be shut down for two days, and the Ministry of Labour is currently investigating the incident.
A GoFundMe page has been set up in Appleby's memory, with proceeds going directly to Appleby's wife Jennifer and their two children (Logan, 6, and Wyatt, 4).
Appleby's previous special effects credits also include The Shape of Water, The Strain, Killjoys, Mama and The Vow.
A statement from Acme FX reads:
We are devastated by the tragic loss of Acme FX partner, Warren Appleby. Warren was a beloved business partner, leader, mentor, friend and brother to many in our community, and a loving husband and father to his wife and children. He will be remembered for his quick humour, strong leadership, care and compassion for his crew and — above all else — his devotion to his family. Words cannot express how dearly he will be missed.
Toronto Mayor John Tory paid respect to Appleby via Twitter, as did many professionals from the city's film industry.
See some of those messages below.
Deepest condolences to the family of film and TV special effects veteran Warren Appleby and to his industry family as well. A real tragedy and a huge loss for our proud and excellent production industry.
— John Tory (@JohnTory) July 19, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with Warren's family, friends & my TITANS family. He was such a brilliant guy-his enthusiastic energy and passion about his craft was infectious. Such a tragic and unfair loss. RIP Warren Appleby https://t.co/d0R2LXj6qW
— Alex Kalymnios (@AMKFilms) July 19, 2019
The loss of Warren Appleby today is devastating to all of us in the Toronto film community and beyond. Warren was a great gift to all of us who came into his orbit, and his spirit lives on in those who have truly known him. RIP my friend.
— J. Miles Dale (@milofx1) July 19, 2019
ACTRA Toronto shares in the overwhelming loss and grief for the tragic passing of FX Coordinator Warren Appleby. An IATSE 873 board member, ACME FX partner and true friend to ACTRA members, his contributions to the Toronto film industry will not be forgotten.
— ACTRA Toronto (@ACTRAToronto) July 19, 2019
Overwhelming loss and grief for the tragic passing of Warren Appleby today. Father, husband, son, brother, friend, IATSE873 board member, ACME FX partner - a vital member of the Toronto film industry, he will be sorely missed.
— Alex Kavanagh (@CostumeAlex) July 18, 2019
Condolences to the @IATSECANADA brother Warren Appleby killed on a set close friends & colleagues of mine work daily. Yet another grizzly reminder of the incredible risks people undertake to do this work. Time for a thorough investigation. #tofilm https://t.co/NTmxUOLzgv
— PatrickdeSousaLahey (@PdeSousaLahey) July 18, 2019
We are saddened to hear of Warren Appleby's sudden passing. A long-serving member of Toronto's film community, Warren will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends, and co-workers during this difficult time.
— MR. X (@MR_X_INC) July 18, 2019
So sorry to hear about this tragic loss of one of our own today.
— Alan Van Sprang (@alanvansprang) July 19, 2019
Sending condolences to Warren Appleby's family and friends and to the production and crew of @DCUTitans https://t.co/shqPEAkJ6z
