A 22-year-old stand-in for the Netflix series Outer Banks was killed in a hit-and-run accident near Charleston, South Carolina, early yesterday morning.
Alexander "AJ" Jennings, who had recently relocated from New York to Charleston to work as a double/stand-in for actor Chase Stokes, was hit by two vehicles while walking along Sol Legare Road, a major thoroughfare on James Island, between 2:30 and 3 a.m. on July 5.
The incident did not happen on set or during filming.
According to the Charleston County Sheriff Office, Jennings was hit by one vehicle that fled the scene, followed by another that also fled.
The second vehicle driver was later pulled over during a traffic stop.
Kimmie Stewart Casting, which is working on the show, confirmed Jennings death.
"It is with great sadness that I share that Alexander "AJ" Jennings' mother informed me of his tragic death on Tuesday," Stewart said on Facebook. "The Outer Banks crew and cast were devastated when AJ was hit by two cars that fled the scene early this morning."
"AJ was a beautiful, kind soul and a bright light on set every day," Stewart continued. He relocated from New York to Charleston this season to work as our John B photo double/stand. I can't imagine the shock and tragedy of AJ untimely death, and our hearts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Stokes wrote on Instagram, "Still trying to process why certain things happen, and why the world works the way it does." My heart is broken. Your life was just getting started. We JUST discussed how excited you were about your tunes, how far you'd come with that ole 6 string, and your desire to keep creating art. I wish I had more words to say right now because the past day has been difficult to say the least. We all loved you because you touched all of our lives and made us all better people. Thank you, AJ. Angel, fly high."
According to Stewart, Netflix is now offering grief counselling. "I am still at a loss for words as to how this occurred and cannot imagine the pain his family is experiencing," she wrote. "We will dearly miss this amazing human and his infectious smile."
There have been no charges filed in connection with the collision.
The third season of Outer Banks is currently filming in Charleston, South Carolina and surrounding areas.