A federal agency has opened an investigation into the horrific accident on “America’s Got Talent: Extreme” that landed stuntman Jonathan Goodwin in the hospital.
While competing on the new spin-off series, Goodwin hung suspended from a cable 70 feet in the air. He attempted to escape a straitjacket before two swinging cars on either side of him collided. But the cars did collide, slamming into Goodwin as well and exploding on impact. The stuntman fell and apparently missed the safety air mattress set up, landing on his head, per TMZ.
Now, according to The Sun, OSHA will investigate a specific moment of Goodwin’s fall. “The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is aware of this incident and has opened an inspection,” a spokesperson for the federal agency told The Sun. They’re concerned with how he missed the mattress and landed on his head, per the outlet.
When Goodwin first fell, the “America’s Got Talent” crew at first believed he was dead. He was unresponsive at the time. But by the time EMTs and on-site medics airlifted him to a hospital, he was responsive again and had a pulse.
Filming for “America’s Got Talent: Extreme” took place at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. The Henry County Sheriff’s Department, which monitors that area, provided a few more details to The Sun about Goodwin’s condition.
“He suffered severe injuries to his legs and several lacerations and was airlifted to Grady Hospital,” the police spokesperson said. “He was transported in serious condition but is currently alive, alert and well.”
The spokesperson added, “There are no plans for a criminal investigation at this time. And any further investigations would be done by AGT.”
Production paused on the show. But we’ll see whether or not filming will continue due to the severity of Goodwin’s injury. It could happen to any other contestant as well.
Listen to the Harrowing 911 Call from the ‘America’s Got Talent: Extreme’ Set After Accident
Both The Sun and TMZ recently released the 911 call from an on-site medic to the Henry County police. The woman on the phone explained that they were at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Then she jumped right into what happened.
“We had a man suspended on a cable,” she said. “Cars were supposed to slam, he didn’t drop in time, they slammed into him.”
The woman describes to the dispatch officer how they need rescue and helicopter support. She also defines a kind of “fracture” Goodwin received. “He fell about 40 feet and missed the airbag. Landed on his head. He’s agonal and posturing.”
Luckily, it sounds like medical staff responded in time and saved his life. But Goodwin will likely bear these injuries for the rest of his life.
