Stunt driver Joi “SJ” Harris has died on the set of Deadpool 2 after a scene involving a motorcycle went wrong.

The accident happened on Monday morning. The victim is the first African American female professional road racer.

“Vancouver police can confirm that a female stunt driver has died on the set of Deadpool during a stunt on a motorcycle,” read a statement from the police.

According to witnesses, the rider lost control of her bike and crashed through the glass of a studio inside Shaw Tower in downtown Vancouver. It was reportedly after four successful attempts at the same stunt.

“People were running on the sidewalk, the motorcycle comes flying across the street, looks like from a ramp because it was in the air,” one witness told Global News. “[The rider was] standing on the bike, slams into that building, clearly hit and out of control and clearly not planned.”

It’s believed that she was acting as a stunt double for the Atlanta star Zazie Beetz, playing Domino, as she was seen riding the same model of motorcycle last week. According to Deadline, it was her first film.

A police officer examining the scene in Vancouver. Photograph: Darryl Dyck/AP

“We are deeply saddened by the accident that occurred on the set of Deadpool 2 this morning,” read a statement from Fox. “Our hearts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of our crew member during this difficult time.”

Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds also shared his condolences on Twitter.

“Today, we tragically lost a member of our crew while filming Deadpool,” he wrote. “We’re heartbroken, shocked and devastated ... but recognize nothing can come close to the grief and inexplicable pain her family and loved ones must feel in this moment. My heart pours out to them - along with each and every person she touched in this world.”

The accident follows the death of the stuntman John Bernecker, who suffered fatal head injuries while filming scenes for The Walking Dead last month. Production was temporarily halted soon after. The weekend also saw Tom Cruise involved in a failed stunt for Mission: Impossible 6. It is not clear how serious his injuries might be.

Deadpool 2 began filming in June and will bring back Ryan Reynolds in the lead role, with Josh Brolin joining the cast.