Crew Member Dies on Set of 'Lone Ranger'

Crew Member Dies on Set of 'Lone Ranger'

A crew member working on Johnny Depp's update of The Lone Ranger has died of an apparent drowning.

Related: Hi-Yo, Silver! 'Lone Ranger' Cameras Roll

An official statement obtained by ET from the studio says: "We regretfully confirm that a Lone Ranger crew member has passed away after being taken to a local hospital. Our hearts and thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues at this time, and our full support is behind the investigation into the circumstances of this terrible event."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the unnamed crew member was not a stunt performer and is said to have died while prepping for an underwater action scene, and did not die during filming. Disney is said to be investigating the circumstances.

Related: Johnny Depp Meets Navajo Leaders as Tonto

The new Lone Ranger is a revisionist take on the classic western hero's tale, this time told from the point of view of Tonto (Depp), the loyal Native American companion to the masked rider (Armie Hammer) with a belt full of silver bullets. Directed by Gore Verbinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the film is scheduled ride into theaters on May 31, 2013.


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