‘Spider-Man’ Stunt Man’s Fall Result of ‘Human Error’

The onstage accident that sent Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark stunt-man Christopher Tierney in the hospital was caused by “human error,” an actors’ union rep says. Tierney fell 8 to 10 feet into a pit Monday during an aerial stunt that was part of the show’s finale; audience members could hear the actress who plays Mary Jane “weeping.”

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While the union did not give details on what exactly went wrong — and whether the accident was caused by Tierney himself or a stagehand — a representative said it and the other agencies have worked together on a safety plan. Tierney, who is one of nine actors who perform Spider-Man’s stunts during the show, remains in serious condition.

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Director Julie Taymor said in a statement Tuesday that the accident was “obviously heartbreaking for our entire team and, of course, to me personally. I am so thankful that Chris is going to be all right and is in great spirits. Nothing is more important than the safety of our Spider-Man family and we’ll continue to do everything in our power to protect the cast and crew.”

The show gave a statement Tuesday saying that today’s matinee performance would be rescheduled, but tonight’s and “all subsequent performances will proceed as scheduled.”

The show has been in previews since November 28 after being pushed back numerous times. Last week, the official opening was moved to February 7 from January 11. An mishap with an aerial stunt in November caused a two-week delay, and earlier this month actress Natalie Mendoza suffered a concussion in a backstage accident.

Union: Spider-Man fall caused by human error [CNN]

Official Statement: New Safety Protocols Underway, SPIDER-MAN to Resume Performances Tomorrow Night [Broadway World]