41 Years Later: Jon-Erik Hexum’s Tragic Death on ‘Cover Up’ Remembered
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Jon-Erik-Hexum-101525-1-cb75f17ea8864c50bf88e2fe5fd85d2a.jpg)
As we reflect on the life and career of Jon-Erik Hexum, it has been 41 years since his accidental gun death on the set of ‘Cover Up’. The young actor’s promising future came to a tragic end, reminding us of the importance of safety on film sets.
Jon-Erik Hexum was a rising star who gained recognition for his role in the 1982 series ‘Voyagers!’. His big break came when he signed on to play Mac Harper, a former Special Forces soldier, in CBS’s ‘Cover Up’. The show, which aired from 1984 to 1985, followed a fashion photographer seeking justice after her husband’s murder, with Hexum’s character aiding her in the pursuit.
On October 12, 1984, tragedy struck on the set of the seventh episode, “Golden Opportunity”, being filmed at 20th Century Fox. During a scene where Hexum’s character was required to load cartridges into a .44 Magnum revolver, a delay in filming led to a fateful moment. Feeling impatient, Hexum began playing with the gun, leading to a devastating accident.
In a moment of carelessness, Hexum jokingly pointed the gun at his head and pulled the trigger, unaware that there was still a blank round loaded. The resulting blast caused a severe head injury, fracturing his skull and driving a fragment of bone into his brain, causing massive internal bleeding. Despite immediate medical attention and surgery, Hexum slipped into a coma and was declared brain dead six days later on October 18.
Following the tragic accident, Hexum’s family made the difficult decision to donate his organs. His heart was transplanted into a 36-year-old man, saving his life. Hexum’s kidneys and corneas were also donated, allowing him to continue to make a positive impact even after his untimely death.
In a statement from co-star Jennifer O’Neill in 2021, she highlighted the need for gun safety measures on film sets to prevent such devastating accidents. O’Neill described the incident as a tragedy that took away a talented young actor at the height of his career.
The legacy of Jon-Erik Hexum lives on through his work and the lives he was able to save through organ donation. His story serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safety protocols and vigilance on film sets to prevent senseless tragedies like his untimely death.
As we honour Jon-Erik Hexum’s memory 41 years after his passing, let us strive to ensure that such heartbreaking incidents are never repeated in the entertainment industry. May his legacy continue to inspire awareness and promote safety in all aspects of filmmaking.