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‘I don’t know what I’m going to do without you … you were a true angel’

Kati Garnett, the partner of Johann Ofner, who was killed in a freak shooting accident in Brisbane on Monday, has taken to Instagram in a heartbreaking tribute to the “love of her life”.

“Today the love of my life was taken from me and I still can’t believe it,” she said.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do without you, the best people are always taken from us.

“You were a true angel.

“I love you so so much forever and ever.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPmf6MQg_X-/?taken-by=katigarnett&hl=en

Mr Ofner, 28, died from two chest wounds while filming a video for the hip hop band Bliss N Eso at a bar in Brisbane’s CBD on Monday.

After much speculation about the circumstances of Mr Ofner’s death, Bliss N Eso confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that the gun which killed the stuntman was filled with blanks, not live ammunition.

“Johann was tragically fatally injured when a prop gun was discharged as part of filming a scene in Bliss n Eso’s video clip,” they said in a statement.

“The gun was loaded with blanks, not live ammunition.

The exact cause of Johann’s fatal injury is still to be confirmed, but as the gun was loaded with blanks, not live ammunition, the cause was not a bullet or live round.”
Bliss N Eso statement

Earlier, a weapons expert also told The Courier Mail newspaper that blanks were likely responsible for Mr Ofner’s death.

Weapons specialist John Bowring explained that blanks, which are a cartridge with no bullet but containing gunpowder, can still pose a danger.

“It is a requirement by law that if you have firearms, even imitation, having a licensed armourer (is also required) under film safety code, which falls under health and safety act,” he told the paper.

“You then also normally have a safety officer, who oversees things that are happening on a film set when any stunts or hazardous procedures are underway.”

Another source told website, nine.com.au that the incident would be a wake-up call for the film industry and actors, who often have the false impression that blank rounds can do no harm.

How harmful is a blank?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXwPxSB7txk

The ABC is yet to confirm what type of gun was used and if blanks were fired. However, paramedics said Mr Ofner had two penetrating chest wounds and was shot at close range.

Before the fatal shooting, Mr Ofner posted footage on his Instagram Stories feed of two guns on the set of the music video with the caption “faulty props”.

Union to re-examine safety measures

Australia’s film and television union says it will take a fresh look at safety for the entire industry after the incident.

Zoe Angus, the national director of equity with the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA), said she would closely watch the findings of Queensland police’s criminal investigation into the death.

There have been no instances of fatalities to our knowledge in the recent past, and that is because we have very rigorous standards in relation to safety.”
MEAA spokeswoman

Ms Angus said there were a number of steps that needed to be taken if guns were going to be used on an Australian film set.

“There needs to be permits, need a licensed armourer and a qualified armourer to supply the weapons, if weapons are going to be discharged the police have to be notified in advance and a safety officer on set who will do a safety breakdown, if there’s any live action around use of the firearms, then a stunt coordinator needs to be engaged,” she said.

She does not know whether or not those protocols were followed.

– with ABC

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