Netflix has issued a statement in response to the tragic accident that took place during production of its new Mark Millar show The Chosen One.
Two actors, Raymundo Garduno (professionally known as Paco Mufote) and Juan Francisco Aguilar, were killed after a van connected to the production crashed in Mexico's Baja California peninsula last Thursday. Six other cast and crew members were reportedly injured during the accident, which is said to have occurred in transit from Santa Rosalía to the local airport.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident that took the lives of Ray Garduño and Juan Francisco González. Our thoughts are with their loved ones and with those injured during this unfortunate accident," Netflix said in a statement on Monday.
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Production company Redrum temporarily halted production of the series, which tells the story of a 12-year-old boy who discovers he's the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. It's based on the critically acclaimed Mark Millar graphic novel American Jesus.
Redrum said in its own statement: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of our colleagues Ray Garduño and Juan Francisco González and are closely supporting all those affected by this unspeakable tragedy. Redrum has been cooperating with local authorities and initial reports and accounts from witnesses indicate that all safety protocols were in place and this was an unfortunate accident."
Friends and fans of the two actors have also taken to social media to pay tribute - and demand answers.
“I am eternally grateful to have crossed your path, my friend,” Coral Alonso Méndez wrote in tribute to Mufote. “You were and always will be one of the most wonderful people to ever cross this world. Thank you for your art, thank you for your heart and thank you for being the light in my life and in the lives of many. I will always carry you with me.”
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Others close to Mufote have alleged to media outlets that the actor had complained about poor working conditions and logistics before his death.
“Paco touched the hearts of everyone he ever met – he was a great actor with a strong trajectory,” Liliana Conlisk Gallegos told Daily Beast. “He loved acting and playing music more than anything in the world and he dedicated himself to it, many times suffering economic hardship. He sacrificed for his love of acting.
“It fills me with rage that there are reports of abuse and exploitation being shared by people involved with the production. I would like to demand that this is further investigated. If nothing wrong was going on, then there shouldn’t be an issue with providing the information.”
Featured Image Credit: NetflixTopics: Netflix, TV And Film