'Fast & Furious' stuntman Joe Watts speaks out after terrifying accident

Taryn Ryder
Updated
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 11: Cars from the movie on display as Vin Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez visit Washington Heights on behalf of "The Fate Of The Furious" on April 11, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Universal Pictures)
Cars from the movie on display as Vin Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez visit Washington Heights on behalf of The Fate of the Furious on April 11, 2017 in New York City. (Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Universal Pictures)

Stuntman Joe Watts has issued a statement after July's terrifying accident on the set of Fast & Furious 9. The 31-year-old was reportedly placed in an induced coma following a stunt gone wrong where he took a major fall, suffering a "serious head injury."

“We would like to thank everyone for their kind wishes since Joe’s accident whilst filming Fast & Furious 9. We have been overwhelmed by the incredible support from friends, family and the stunt community, as well as the Fast & Furious 9 cast, crew and Universal Pictures,” Joe Watts, Tilly Powell and their families said.

“While Joe remains in hospital and there is still a long road ahead, he has been moved out of the ICU and doctors are pleased with his progress. We’d especially like to send an enormous thank you to the air ambulance crew, all the fantastic doctors, nurses and staff at the Royal London Hospital who have provided amazing care to Joe.”

Universal Pictures, the studio behind the Fast franchise, also released a statement.

“Universal Pictures and the filmmakers, talent and crew of Fast & Furious 9, are heartened that Joe is on the road to recovery with the support of his loved ones,” the studio stated. “Joe is a professional in every sense of the word and his commitment to his craft is inspiring to all of us. We know he’ll continue to inspire us throughout his recovery. Everyone in the Fast family sends our heartfelt wishes and we will continue to support Joe and his family however we can.”

British press reported that Watts was Vin Diesel's stunt double; however, a source refuted that to The Hollywood Reporter. The accident allegedly happened during an action sequence in which Watts leaped from a balcony attached to a safety wire. He was “stable but in an induced coma,” according to his fiancé.

Watts's resume includes stunt performance credits in Wonder Woman 1984, Game of Thrones and Mission: Impossible - Fallout.

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