Disney has been fined $36,000 following the death of a lighting technician on the Marvel series Wonder Man. J.C. “Spike” Osorio, 45, fell to his death on February 6 after a section of a deteriorated catwalk gave way at the Radford Studio Center in Studio City.
A Cal/OSHA investigation revealed that the catwalk, which had a weakened section of wood improperly attached to a roof support, collapsed under Osorio’s weight. The report stated that the structural failure, caused by age, environmental conditions, and stress, resulted in Osorio falling 41 feet.
The investigation corroborated reports from witnesses and IATSE officials, leading to widespread upgrades to catwalks across studio facilities. Cal/OSHA issued two “serious” citations to Disney, through its production arm Ionic Productions, each with a proposed penalty of $18,000. The maximum penalty for a serious citation is $25,000. Radford Studio Center received two citations totaling $22,500 each, bringing the total fines to $81,000 for both companies.
Disney and Radford Studio Center have 15 business days to appeal the citations. Disney has not commented but is expected to appeal. Radford Studio Center’s new owner, Hackman Capital Partners, acquired the facility from ViacomCBS in 2021 for $1.85 billion and has proposed a $1 billion modernization plan. Hackman Capital Partners has also declined to comment.
Joanne Osorio-Wu and Zoila Osorio, the widow and mother of the deceased, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Radford Studio Center in May, alleging the facility was aware of the catwalk’s dilapidated condition. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.
Erika Contreras, representing the Osorio family, said the OSHA citations validate their claims. “The citations confirm that Mr. Osorio’s death was entirely preventable,” she said. “Radford failed in its duty to maintain a safe working environment.”
Radford’s lawyers have responded to the lawsuit, suggesting the accident might have been caused by Osorio’s or others’ negligence.
IATSE Local 728, to which Osorio belonged, expressed appreciation for Cal/OSHA’s efforts to improve workplace safety but highlighted ongoing safety challenges in non-union facilities. “The loss of Spike was needless,” said the union in a statement. “We remain committed to ensuring safe working conditions and continue to support Spike’s family and crew.”
