'Titans' crew member killed in special effects test: DC Universe TV show 'heartbroken'

Cast and crew of the "Titans" TV show were mourning Thursday following the death of special effects coordinator Warren Appleby, after a stunt test went tragically wrong.

The producers of the Warner Bros. Television/DC Universe show said in a statement they were "heartbroken and devastated by the passing of the treasured colleague" which occurred at a special effects facility "during preparation and test for an upcoming shoot."

No further details of the accident were released, but the show's production in Toronto was put on hold for two days following the deadly incident involving the veteran special effects specialist Appleby, who had a 25-year career in TV and motion pictures.

TMZ and The Hollywood Reporter stated that Appleby was killed by a piece of metal that flew from a car that was being tested for a flipping stunt.

The producers passed on"our deepest condolences, and heartfelt love and support, to Warren’s family and friends at this most difficult time.”

Appleby worked on Guillermo del Toro’s effects heavy "The Shape of Water," which won a 2018 Oscar for best picture.

“I knew Warren as a top-notch FX man but I admired him as a father and family man, and a colleague, too,” del Toro told Deadline. “He always gave you his 100% percent. He was very near and very dear and an integral part of our core team. He will be always be beloved and admired.”

In a GoFundMe page set up for his family, Appleby was described as a loving father and husband to his wife Jennifer and their two boys, Logan, 6 and Wyatt, 4.

"Titans," a darker version of the "Teen Titans" cartoon, is in its second season the DC Universe.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Titans' crew member Warren Appleby killed in special effects accident