‘Avengers’ Stuntman Taraja Ramsess Killed With His 3 Children in Car Accident

The Hollywood sign seen over Los Angeles on July 12, 2023. Mario Tama/Getty Images

Taraja Ramsess, a stuntman best known for his work in the Marvel superhero movies “Black Panther” and “Avengers,” tragically died in a car accident last week, which also killed his three children.

Mr. Ramsess, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter Sundari Ramsess, 10-year-old son Kisasi Ramsess, and eight-week-old newborn daughter Fujibo Ramsess, were reportedly involved in a fatal crash in Georgia on Oct. 31.

The crash occurred on Halloween night when his car collided with a tractor-trailer that had broken down in the left lane of Interstate 20 eastbound at Wesley Chapel Road, according to local reports.

His mother, Akili Ramsess, initially stated on Instagram that her grandson, Kisasi, was in critical condition and on life support. She later confirmed in a subsequent post that Kisasi did not make it and would be joining his father and sisters “on their journey.”

Two of Mr. Ramsess’s daughters survived the accident, including his three-year-old daughter Shazia Ramsess, who is currently recovering from minor injuries in the hospital, according to Ms. Ramsess.

In a heartfelt tribute to her son and grandchildren, Ms. Ramsess described her son as a “beautiful, loving, talented” person who enjoyed martial arts, motorcycles, and film-making.

“All who knew and met him know how special Taraja was. He had a deep capacity for love and loved his children more than all,” she stated.

“He [had] a very droll yet wicked sense of humor and yet could be as cornball as can be.

“I can’t believe they’re gone! We are grieving and remain prayerful for my grandchildren’s recovery,” Ms. Ramsess added. She also thanked those who reached out with kind words and prayers.

Mr. Ramsess’s stunts were featured in “Black Panther,” “Avengers: Endgame,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” and “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” He also worked in the art departments of over 40 film projects.

Visitors look at the costume worn by actor Chadwick Boseman when he performed the title character in the 2018 film Black Panther at the temporary exhibit "Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures" at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington on March 24, 2023. The exhibit assembles more than 100 objects from music, film, television, comic books, fashion, theater, literature, and more that covers more than a century of Afrofuturism. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Director Ava DuVernay also paid tribute to Mr. Ramsess, whom she said was a part of the crew family at her production company ARRAY. She described Mr. Ramsess as a “leader” and a “light.”

“He left us last night forever in a way that makes the hearts of all who knew him break into a million pieces. Taraja. We'd talk about art and his family. My goodness, did he love his children,” she stated on Instagram.

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

Ms. DuVernay said she remembered how Mr. Ramsess was the first to step forward to help when there weren’t enough background actors for a scene in a movie.

“From there—everyone else said yes too. He was that kind of person,” she stated.

“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.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been created on behalf of Mr. Ramsess’s mother, which has garnered a total of $91,152 at the time of writing, with contributions from over 290 contributors.

The petition page reads: “I know you share our feelings that this devastating loss is unfathomable, and we are just trying to take a first step in helping Akili down the very long road ahead.”