Crew Member from Johnny Depp (Tonto) Lone Ranger Dies on Movie Set

Native News Network Staff in Entertainment. Discussion »

LOS ANGELES – A member of the film crew shooting The Lone Ranger died after being found unresponsive last Friday while in a water tank on the set of the movie.

Johnny Depp as Tonto in the The Lone Ranger movie Johnny Depp as Tonto in The Lone Ranger Movie

He was identified by TMZ as 20 year film crew veteran and water safety expert Mike Bridger. The 48 year old was a favorite of mega producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who relied on him for the Pirates of the Caribbean movies before hiring him for the Lone Ranger filming.

Law enforcement sources tell us; …the man was a diver who was working in a tank on the Los Angeles set… when something went wrong,

according to TMZ.

We're told someone on the crew called 911 to report a medical emergency …and when responders arrived to the scene the man was in full cardiac arrest.

A representative for Walt Disney Studios said,

We regretfully confirm that a Lone Ranger crew member has passed away after being taken to a local hospital. Our hearts and thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues at this time, and our full support is behind the investigation into the circumstances of this terrible event,

adds the spokesperson.

The full feature film is due out next summer.

posted September 24, 2012 8:10 am edt