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'Titans' crew member dies in freak car stunt accident on set, season 2 production shuts down

Warren Appleby, a special effects coordinator on 'Titans', died after a freak accident that took place at a special effects shop on Thursday, July 18

The production on 'Titans' season 2 has been shut down for two days after a crew member in the DC Universe series passed away. 

Warren Appleby, a special effects coordinator on 'Titans', died after a freak accident that took place at a special effects shop on Thursday, July 18. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the accident took place during the rehearsal of a car stunt for season 2 when a piece of the car broke off and stabbed Appleby. 

Following the incident, Warner Bros revealed that the production for season two will be shut down for two days. "We are heartbroken and devastated by the passing of our treasured colleague, special effects coordinator Warren Appleby, after an accident which occurred at a special effects facility during the preparation and testing for an upcoming shoot," DC Universe, Warner Bros and 'Titans' producers said in a joint statement.

"Warren is beloved by all who worked with him during an impressive 25-year career in television and motion pictures. The executive producers, along with everyone in the 'Titans family', Warner Bros. Television Group and DC Universe, wish to express our deepest condolences and heartfelt love and support to Warren’s family and friends at this most difficult time."

Prior to working on the DC Universe series, Appleby worked as a special effects coordinator or supervisor on a number of TV shows. His recent credits include 'The Strain' and 'Killjoys'. Appleby was also special effects coordinator on Guillermo del Toro’s 2018 Best Picture Oscar winner 'The Shape of Water'. 

In addition to 'Shape of Water', Appleby’s credits included being special effects supervisor on New Line Cinema’s horror reboot 'It' and special effects coordinator on the upcoming 'It: Chapter 2' as part of a 25-plus-year career, reported Deadline.

Appleby also worked with del Toro on the FX series 'The Strain', on which he was nominated for a VES Award in 2016 in the category of Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Episode. "I knew Warren as a top-notch FX man but I admired him as a father and family man, and a colleague, too,” del Toro told Deadline. "He always gave you his 100% percent. He was very near and very dear and an integral part of our core team. He will always be beloved and admired."

'Titans' is an original live-action show that is produced for Warner Bros, DC streaming service, DC Universe. It revolves around a young team of DC heroes that includes Robin, Raven, Starfire, and Beast Boy.