A male “Wipeout” contestant has died after suffering cardiac arrest following completion of the TBS competition’s obstacle course, a person close to production told TheWrap. Due to privacy laws, we do not currently have any additional information about the man’s age or identity.
The contestant required medical attention after completing and leaving the obstacle course in the late-morning hours on Wednesday, the production insider said. The contestant was first attended to by on-site emergency professionals. Paramedics were then called to set and the man was transported to a local hospital.
The show’s talent, like hosts John Cena and Nicole Byer and “host in the field” Camille Kostek, were not on set at the time of the incident, we’re told.
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The rebooted show, which is midway through production on Season 1, paused production for Thursday and Friday of this week.
“Wipeout” had a preplanned holiday break next week, which will last a few days into the post-Thanksgiving week. The show plans to return to production then.
“Wipeout” has two paramedics and two set doctors on-set at all times, as well as a safety producer and a paramedic coordinator, the production insider said. All contestants undergo medical exams before being cleared to participate.
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“We are devastated to have learned of his passing and our deepest sympathy goes out to the family,” a TBS spokesperson said in a statement provided to TheWrap.
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and our thoughts are with them at this time,” producer Endemol Shine North America said in a statement of their own.
Sharon Levy, DJ Nurre and Shyam Balsé are executive producers. Matt Kunitz, the creator of the original “Wipeout,” is executive producer and showrunner.
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The original “Wipeout” aired from 2008 to 2014 on ABC. The TBS version has a 20-episode order.
If you’re unfamiliar, here is the official series description for the TBS reboot: “The re-imagined series will feature new twists and elements that will push contestants’ athleticism, approach, and determination to even greater extremes, all while delivering some wildly epic fails! Each game is three rounds with each round featuring a jaw-dropping, multi-stage obstacle course with numerous strategy and decision points designed to further challenge the stamina of the competitors and deliver even more hilarious and surprising wipeouts! And of course, the iconic staple of the show – the big balls! – are returning with a vengeance.”
TMZ first reported the news of the contestant’s passing.
