Joy Harris Obituary – Trailblazing Motorcycle Racer and Stunt Performer Passes Away in Tragic Deadpool 2 Set Accident

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA — The world of stunt performance and motorsports was left in mourning on August 14, 2017, when Joy Harris, a pioneering African American motorcycle racer and stuntwoman, tragically lost her life during the filming of Deadpool 2. The accident occurred while Harris was performing a high-speed motorcycle stunt for the production in downtown Vancouver. She was 40 years old.

Harris, who was doubling for actress Zazie Beetz’s character Domino, was executing a stunt on a Ducati motorcycle when she lost control, crashing through the window of a nearby building. She was not wearing a helmet at the time—reportedly because the character she was portraying in the film did not wear one. Despite the best efforts of emergency personnel, Joy was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Legacy of Firsts and Fearlessness

Joy Harris—also known in the racing world as SJ Harris—was a trailblazer in every sense of the word. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she discovered her passion for motorcycles later in life and quickly ascended through the ranks of the competitive road racing scene. In 2014, she became the first African American woman to be licensed as a professional motorcycle road racer in the United States—a historic achievement that cemented her place in motorsports history.

Harris was a self-made icon who broke through racial and gender barriers in a sport long dominated by white men. She brought with her not only extraordinary technical skill and fearlessness, but also a commitment to representation. She served as a role model and mentor for young women of color with dreams of high-speed racing, using her platform to speak out about inclusivity and perseverance in male-dominated industries.

Her racing career included competitions with the American Sportbike Racing Association (ASRA) and the Championship Cup Series. She competed in several national races, earning a reputation as a highly skilled and determined rider.

A Tragic Loss for Hollywood and the Stunt Community

Deadpool 2 was Harris’s first job as a stunt performer on a feature film. While she was relatively new to stunt work, her extensive motorcycle racing background made her a natural fit for the role. Tragically, the accident occurred just days into her work on the film.

Her death reverberated throughout Hollywood, reigniting conversations around stunt safety, especially for women and stunt performers of color, who often face additional risks due to systemic inequalities in casting, preparation, and safety protocols.

At the time of her death, concerns were raised about whether Harris had received adequate rehearsal time and whether proper safety measures were in place. The production was reportedly under time constraints, and critics questioned whether she was given enough practice runs or support from the stunt team.

In the wake of the tragedy, Deadpool 2 star Ryan Reynolds expressed his grief in a public statement:

“Today, we tragically lost a member of our crew while filming Deadpool 2. We’re heartbroken, shocked, and devastated… but recognize nothing can come close to the grief and inexplicable pain her family and loved ones must feel in this moment.”

Remembering Joy

Those who knew Joy Harris speak of a woman whose determination, warmth, and passion were contagious. Friends recall her as “fearless,” “graceful on a bike,” and “inspiring to all who had the pleasure of knowing her.” She was not just an athlete and a professional, but a symbol of progress and resilience in industries where diversity has long lagged.

Harris’s legacy lives on through the lives she touched—fans, fellow racers, and aspiring stuntwomen who saw in her a reflection of their own dreams. Her passing became a rallying cry within the stunt and racing communities to demand greater safety oversight, more equitable representation, and respect for the lives of those who risk their lives for cinematic thrills.

In honor of her life and contributions, fellow racers and friends organized memorial rides and events celebrating her achievements and advocacy. Her social media pages, once filled with footage of her races and encouraging messages to aspiring riders, remain a digital archive of a life lived with purpose, courage, and unrelenting drive.

A Call to Action

While her death was a devastating blow, Joy Harris’s impact continues to shape discussions about racial and gender equity in motorsports and entertainment. Her story remains a sobering reminder of the risks faced by stunt professionals—and of the critical importance of proper preparation, training, and oversight on film sets.

Joy Harris may have lost her life in the pursuit of her passion, but her legacy endures as a powerful beacon for progress. Her name is now forever etched into the history of motorsports and stunt performance, a pioneer whose story deserves to be remembered, honored, and learned from.

Rest in Power, Joy “SJ” Harris.