Mark Milsome Verdict
The Mark Milsome Foundation is grateful to the coroner for his diligent consideration. The coroner will be writing a pre- Prevention Of Future Deaths Report letter to various industry bodies including PACT, BECTU, BFC, BBC and the British Stunt Register.
Verdict:
Mark Milsome died an accidental death. Shortly before the execution of the stunt, the risk of Mr Milsome being harmed or fatally injured was not effectively recognised, assessed, communicated or managed. ( Mr Chinyere Inyama -Senior Coroner at West London Coroners Court Office 23rd October 2020
Andra Milsome Statement
“Obviously I’m happy that this horrible 3-year ordeal is somewhat over. It’s upsetting to me that Heads of Department seemed unwilling to take responsibility for their parts in Mark’s death during the straightforward stunt that night. They had an obligation to their personnel to make sure there was appropriate equipment there that night. There was a lack of communication from production. Risk assessment guidelines were ignored.
Mark should never ever have been manning a camera in the trajectory of a moving vehicle. With Mark’s extensive experience as a cameraman, I know he would have suggested a remote head; we never received a clear answer as to why this didn’t materialize.
I am delighted that the Coroner is considering a Prevention of Future Deaths Report, as no crew member should ever feel that they can’t air their concerns on set. Yes means yes. No means no. Maybe means no.
As you may be aware, after Mark was killed I set up the Mark Milsome Foundation. One of our main aims is to heighten the awareness of the current Health & Safety conditions within the Film & TV industry. If Mark’s death has to be the guiding light to lead us to safer working practices that would be a meaningful legacy. No one should ever die for the sake of shot.”
Andra Milsome -23rd October 2020
This is absolutely brilliant outcome. The evidence given by Mark’s father was too powerful to ignore, and evidentialy based on his own vast experiences and his reputation
What a wonderful Coroner. I do so fervently hope his report will be given the attention it deserves
and willbe acted upon. More authority needs to be given to Health and Safety Officers on set and who will not be afraid to say OK or no.
Patricia Twomey