Tom Cruise’s bold portrayal of pilot Barry Seal in the 2017 film “American Made” took a tragic turn during filming. The production involved three pilots—Carlos Berl, Jimmy Lee Garland, and Andrew Purwin—flying a twin-engine Aerostar 600 in Colombia. Unfortunately, the September 2015 crash resulted in the loss of two lives and severe injuries to Garland. Subsequent lawsuits filed by the families alleged negligence and raised questions about safety measures in the filmmaking process.
Carlos Berl, although experienced, was unfamiliar with the Aerostar and had voiced safety concerns before the flight. Jimmy Lee Garland, a pilot-mechanic, also served as Tom Cruise’s double in the film. Andrew Purwin, known for his inclination towards risky stunts, had a controversial aviation record. The crash, ultimately attributed to bad weather, occurred under intense pressure to depart immediately.
The aftermath of the tragedy led to legal battles, with claims of pressured flying, compromised planes, and dishonest qualifications. The lawsuits, highlighting the film’s impact on safety, vetting, and regulatory processes in movie production, were concluded in 2019 with an undisclosed settlement.
It’s noteworthy that similar aerial risks were present during the filming of “Top Gun” in 1985. “American Made,” despite its continued popularity on streaming platforms, stands as a poignant reminder of the inherent hazards involved in cinematic feats and the critical importance of prioritizing safety measures in film production.
12 Years After Steve Irwin’s Death, Terri Irwin Reveals the Dark Secret He Confessed
It’s hard to believe that it has now been 16 years since we lost Steve Irwin.
Steve changed the way the world viewed dangerous animals. He was a true pioneer in his field, and the world lost a wonderful person when he tragically passed away at just 44, doing what he loved.
Now, over a decade later, his wife Terri Irwin has shared a confession Steve once made to her—something that might surprise many people …
Terri recently sat down for an interview with the Australian TV series *Anh’s Brush With Fame*, where the conversation took an unexpected turn.
When the interviewer mentioned Steve’s untimely death, Terri said: “He never thought he’d have a long life. He always kind of had this feeling that his life would be cut short.”
Sadly, Steve was right. The beloved TV host was filming *Ocean’s Deadliest* in Queensland, Australia, when he was tragically killed by a stingray’s barb.
After the accident, Terri was told to call her zoo manager. She vividly remembers the moment she learned her husband had passed away.
“I just remember feeling this huge sense of responsibility, overwhelming grief, but also, ‘What do I do next?’ I had to gather my thoughts and then go out to the car to tell Bindi and Robert … which was really hard.”
When news of Steve’s death spread, Terri was shocked by the incredible amount of support they received.
“No one would’ve been more surprised than Steve at the outpouring of grief and love,” she said
“No one would’ve been more surprised than Steve at the outpouring of grief and love,” she said
Were you a fan of the ‘Crocodile Hunter’? If so, share this article on Facebook to help us honor his memory.
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