An individual working at Trilith Studios in Atlanta, GA died by suicide on Wednesday morning, local authorities confirmed to IndieWire, and a report in Variety says the individual was a Teamster working on DC Studios’ “Superman.”
Captain Austin Dunn with the Fayetteville Police Department told IndieWire officers responded to a report of an unconscious adult contractor located inside a vehicle on the Trilith Studios property on Wednesday, July 24 around 6:47 a.m. Capt. Dunn said there is no suspicion of foul play but said there are no investigations ongoing currently.
“Arriving officers and medical personnel found the patient deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Evidence collected revealed no suspicion of foul play, nor is the investigation connected to any ongoing studio projects,” Dunn said in a statement. “Additional details are unavailable at this time as the investigation is in its infancy. Future updates will be provided when appropriate.”
The DC film is slated for release next year and is currently filming in Atlanta in its final week of production. According to Variety, director James Gunn upon learning of the news informed the crew and wrapped production for the day. A representative for DC Studios did not respond to a request for comment.
Additional information about the identity of the individual was not provided by authorities, and while reports indicate the individual was a Teamster, it’s unclear to which local union the individual belonged. Reps for Hollywood Local 399 and Local 728 did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Teamsters Local 399 along with Hollywood Basic Crafts are currently negotiating new contracts with the AMPTP, with their current deal set to expire next week. Among the terms they’re fighting for include better working conditions, everything from increased overtime penalties for long hours, more holidays to address work life balance, and even minimum staffing to reduce the burden on certain workers.
Local 728 in Atlanta has its second annual motorcycle ride for mental health and suicide prevention awareness scheduled for September 14. Information on a local suicide hotline and details on the event can be found here.
If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Additional reporting by Harrison Richlin
