MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

How did Alex Harvill die? Stuntman's world record practice ends in tragedy at 28

The stuntman was involved in fatal crash on June 17 at the Moses Lake Airshow in Grant County, Washington leading to a surge in support for his family

Stuntman and world record holder Alex Harvill has died in an accident on June 17. The 28-year-old was confirmed to have died by the Grant County Coroner's Office in Washington, where he was participating in the Moses Lake Airshow. Harvill's death has left fans shocked and led to a massive fundraising effort on GoFundMe for Harvill's family.

It is just six months into 2021 and the list of famous icons and celebrities to have died this year is already getting long and Harvill is the latest to join that list. In March, stuntman Jery Hewitt passed away due to a stroke. Other notable names to have passed away this year include Charles Grodin who succumbed to cancer, Emmy-winning actress Cicely Tyson, veteran TV actor John Rielly, and musician Kevin Clark, who appeared in the 2004 hit 'School of Rock'.

READ MORE

'Fast & Furious 9' star Vin Diesel's stunt double plunges 30 feet to the ground during shoot, hospitalized in critical condition

How did Paul Mooney die? Trailblazing comedian dies at 79 in Oakland, fans mourn 'incomparable truth teller'

The shocking death of Harvill comes days after sports fans were left stricken following the mid-game heart attack suffered by Danish footballer Christian Eriksen. Days before that, baseball star Tyler Zombro was hit on the head by a line drive. Thankfully, both stars have since recovered, but it appears Harvill was not so lucky. 

How did Alex Harvill die?

The daredevil was at the Moses Lake Airshow attempting to beat his own world record for longest dirt to dirt jump. According to the airshow's Instagram page, Harvill was attempting a practice run when his bike crashed and he was taken to the hospital. The account said, "We regret to report today at our first event of the airshow - the Guinness World Record Jump Attempt, Alex Harvill was injured during his warm-up." It added, "we do not have more information at this time regarding the incident."

Social media posts indicate Harvill was attempting a 150 feet practice jump when his bike crashed into the ramp, just short of the landing area. The airshow, taking place at the Grant County International Airport, would have seen Alex jump 351 feet and break his own previous record of 297 feet. The coroner's office confirmed his death to E! News. "His family has been notified," a spokesperson said. "Our deepest sympathies go out to Alex's family, friends, and loved ones." Reportedly, an autopsy will be conducted on Friday, June 18 to determine the cause and manner of death. 

The shocking death has left Harvill's young family devastated. He is survived by his wife Jessica and sons Willis and Watson, who were born on May 18. A GoFundMe has been set up to support Harvill's family in the wake of his death. In just hours, it raised over $19,000. At the time of publication, the fundraiser has secured $38,260 of its $60,000 goal. The fundraiser was set up by Ashley Todd, from Ephrata, where the family lives. 

Tributes have also poured in for Harvill. Fellow stunt performer Robbie Maddison said in an Instagram post, "Shattered about the news of the passing of @ah352... My heart is broken for his family." One user posted on Twitter, "There is a such a peace surrounding dying doing what you love. RIP Alex Harvill." Another said, "Hearing the news out of Washington at the Moses air show of Alex Harvill passing away after a crash on a test run makes me terribly sad. Fortunate to have rode the dunes with that man last fall. Prayers for his wife and two sons."

Friends and well-wishers are continuing to send condolence messages in light of the news. A video of the crash is being circulated after it was uploaded on YouTube. MEAWW has decided not to show the video out of respect for Harvill's family.