Taraja Ramsess: Marvel stuntman and three of his children die after car crash

November 06, 2023

A stuntman best known for his work in Black Panther and Avengers: Endgame has died in a car crash that also killed three of his children, his mother has said.

Taraja Ramsess, 41, and members of his family were reportedly involved in a fatal collision in Atlanta in the US state of Georgia on Halloween.

In a post on Instagram, his mother Akili Ramsess said her son had died, alongside two of his daughters - Sundari, 13, and eight-week-old Fujibo.

His 10-year-old son Kisasi later died after being on life support, she added.

Ms Ramsess said two of her son's daughters survived the crash and his three-year-old child Shazia is recovering from minor injuries in hospital.

Local media reported Ramsess was driving his children on Halloween night when his truck crashed into a broken-down tractor and trailer.

Ms Ramsess paid tribute on Instagram to her "beautiful, loving, talented son".

"All who knew and met him know how special Taraja was," Ms Ramsess wrote in the post.

"He had a deep capacity for love and loved his children more than all. He loved his martial arts, motorcycles and all things related to filmmaking.

"He [had] a very droll yet wicked sense of humour and yet could be as cornball corny as can be.

"Sundari, Sunny as she was called, also reflected that special light. Funny and loved to dance. Oh God! I can't believe they're gone!"

Ramsess's stunts also featured in Avengers: Infinity War, The Suicide Squad, Atlanta and Creed III.

He also worked in the art department, mainly as a set dresser, in more than 40 film projects.

Director Ava DuVernay said Ramsess was "a leader" and "a light".

Ramsess worked in DuVernay's production company ARRAY.

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In a post on Instagram, she said: "He left us forever in a way that makes the hearts of all who knew him break into a million pieces.

"We'd talk about art and his family. My goodness, did he love his children. A happy, whole love. Beautiful to behold.

"He loved making movies and TV too. Held many positions over the years. Immersing himself in all aspects of the craft.

"I remember one day on set, we didn't have enough Black background actors for a key scene. I had to recruit my crew members to be on-camera. Taraja was the first to say yes.

"Yes, I'll do my real job and then jump into this wild scene playing a tough guy with a gun for you. From there - everyone else said yes too. He was that kind of person. A leader. A light.

"Taraja. His name is like music. We will continue to sing it. Bless his soul. Bless his memory. Bless his loved ones and the many comrades he leaves here as he journeys on."

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The director donated $5,000 to a fundraiser for Ramsess's family, which had raised a total of $82,000 on Monday morning.

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