
Universal Studios Hollywood was the site of a tragedy today as a performer was rushed to the hospital.
All was well this afternoon and going according to a well-rehearsed script when a WaterWorld stunt performer fell into a pool on stage as he was scripted to do. However, things took a tragic turn when the performer didn’t resurface as he should have.
In an apparent drowning, the Los Angeles County Fire Department rushed to the scene and attempted life-saving CPR on the unnamed performer before EMS rushed him to the hospital in critical condition.
A Universal Studios Hollywood spokesperson told a local news station that the incident happened during an afternoon performance on Monday.
“Details surrounding the event are under review,” the spokesperson said. “As always, safety is our top priority in our day-to-day operations.”
Witnesses spoke out about the incident saying that workers went in after the performer when he didn’t resurface out of the water in a timely fashion. They also stated that the performance was immediately canceled, and Guests were escorted out of the area while EMS and the local fire department attempted to revive him. It is not known at this time whether their efforts were successful.
This is the most recent of several accidents at Universal theme parks. Not long ago, a young boy was rushed to the hospital after an incident at Universal Orlando’s E.T. ride in which the boy’s foot was crushed. However, it should be noted that injuries and accidents like these are rare.
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This is a developing story, and as such, we will be sure to bring you any information as it becomes available. Our thoughts are with the performer and his friends and family.