U.K. Camera Operator Dies Filming Stunt Scene for BBC, Netflix Drama

"Mark Milsome was hugely talented and a much respected colleague," the U.K. public broadcaster said.

British camera operator Mark Milsome has died filming a stunt scene for upcoming BBC and Netflix drama The Forgiving Earth.

The BBC confirmed the 54-year-old's death Monday. "We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear this terrible news," it said in a statement. "Mark Milsome was hugely talented and a much respected colleague. Our thoughts are with Mark's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."

The Guild of British Camera Technicians (GBCT) said: "The GBCT board and its membership are absolutely devastated by this tragic news. Mark Milsome was not only an incredibly talented camera operator, he was also one of the kindest and sweetest of human beings. Thoughts and prayers are with Mark's family at this awful time."

Milsome is understood to have died during a night shoot for a car stunt scene in Ghana. The Forgiving Earth, previously called Black Earth Rising, is a crime thriller that BBC Two plans to air in the U.K. in 2018, with Netflix having global rights outside of Britain.

The show, which focuses on the prosecution of international war crimes, is written and directed by Hugo Blick (The Honourable Woman), with Drama Republic (The Honourable Woman) producing.

Blick and Drama Republic said: "It is with huge sadness that we confirm the death of Mark Milsome, a camera operator who was working with us on the BBC/Netflix production The Forgiving Earth. We are all completely devastated. Mark was such a wonderful, kind and generous person. All our thoughts and condolences are with Mark's family and his close friends at this tragic time. Giving them our support and focus is our number one priority."