NBC has temporarily shut down production on spinoff series America’s Got Talent: Extreme after a performer suffered life-threatening injuries in a stunt gone wrong, FWRD AXIS confirms.
The news comes after stuntman Jonathan Goodwin was airlifted to a nearby hospital from Atlanta Motor Speedway after an accident on Thursday, which left him with life-threatening injuries. TMZ first reported the details of the incident, which saw Goodwin get sandwiched between two cars.
The graphic video, which TMZ also obtained, shows Goodwin strapped in a straitjacket and suspended in the air with two cars rigged to crash. However, something went wrong and one car was released early, causing the daredevil to get hit and miss the airbag below, hitting his head on the ground.
Audio the 9-1-1 call was obtained by TMZ and a member of production said Goodwin “fell about 40 feet and missed the airbag, landed on his head”. She added he was unresponsive at first and was posturing from a traumatic brain injury. He eventually came to and underwent surgery. His current condition is unknown.
“During a rehearsal last evening for America’s Got Talent: Extreme, an accident occurred in which escape artist Jonathan Goodwin was injured while performing his act,” a show spokesperson said in a statement Friday. “He was responsive and was immediately taken to the hospital, where he is continuing to receive medical care. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family as we await further updates on his condition.”
On Sunday, NBC confirmed the show is being put on hold and said production of the final few days will resume at a later date.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with Jonathan Goodwin and his family as he continues to recover from his accident onT Thursday. In order to focus on the wellbeing of our crew, we will be temporarily pausing production on America’s Got Talent: Extreme and will resume the last few days of filming at a later date. The health and safety of our cast and crew continue to be our priority,” a AGT production spokesperson said.
Earlier this month, NBC confirmed Nikki Bella and Travis Pastrana would join Simon Cowell on the judging panel while Terry Crews would return as the host. AGT: Extreme showcases outrageous and jaw-dropping daredevil acts with extreme contestants competing each week in a series of wild stunts.
AGT: Extreme is set to air in Janury on NBC.
