14 DAY TRIAL // David Holmes, 25, is a former competitive gymnast who doubled for “Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe for the stunts in all the films in the franchise. The other day, the stuntman suffered serious spinal injuries while doing a flying sequence in a harness, which ended in hospitalization and fears of paralysis.
According to media reports, Holmes was repeating a sequence on the set of the latest Harry Potter movie, “Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows,” when the accident took place. Sources on the set say that there was also an explosion on the script, and that it may have slammed the stuntman to the ground. After impact, Holmes was reportedly saying he could no longer feel his legs, which prompted talk of paralysis.
“It is thought he may have been caught by the explosion and hit the ground very hard. He told crew members who went to help him he couldn’t feel anything from the waist down. Everyone is just hoping he makes a good recovery. It has come as a terrible shock.” a source on the set told several media outlets.
Initially, Holmes was taken to A&E at Watford General Hospital, but was moved to The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, North-West London, a special spinal injury facility, once doctors realized that his injuries were serious. His parents have reportedly rushed to be by his bedside, refusing to make any comment for media representatives.
A while ago, in one of the many interviews Daniel Radcliffe gave for promotional purposes, the actor admitted that, while he did most of his own stunts, some were deemed too risky to perform. Also then, he spoke of Holmes in laudable terms, saying that the films would not be the same without his hard work and acknowledging him as an “amazing gymnast.”
“We can confirm that a member of the Harry Potter production was injured in an accident that took place on Wednesday. Out of respect for his family, we are unable to comment further at this stage, but can confirm that it was not a member of the cast.” a spokesperson for the film studio said.