Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Canadian rapper dies after falling off aeroplane wing during music video shoot

The 34-year-old trained "intensively" for months to perform the stunt

Jack Shepherd
Tuesday 23 October 2018 10:04 EDT
Comments
Jon James McMurray
Jon James McMurray (Jon James McMurray via Facebook)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Canadian rapper Jon James McMurray died on the 20 October after falling to his death while performing a stunt that involved rapping while standing on the wing of an aeroplane in flight.

The 34-year-old had been training "intensively" for months to perform the stunt when things went wrong.

"As Jon got further out onto the wing of the plane, it caused the small Cessna to go into a downward spiral that the pilot couldn't correct," a statement from his management team, released to Canadian Press, reads.

"Jon held onto the wing until it was too late, and by the time he let go, he didn't have time to pull his chute. He impacted and died instantly."

The plane and pilot reportedly landed safely.

McMurray, born in Calgary, Alberta, was a professional skier until suffering a broken back and shattered heal. He instead pursued a career in music.

"His passion for making music videos and performing stunts were combined, and Jon pushed music in a new direction that was uncharted territory," the team said.

Rory Wayne Bushfield, a professional skier and friend of McMurray's, said the rapper had been planning the stunt for months.

"He planned for everything," he said. "It should have been straightforward. It's one of those things. We're not really sure what happened."

The local police department, the coroners office and the Transportation Safety Board are investigating the death.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in