THE wife of a British cameraman killed during the filming of the BBC and Netflix television series Black Earth Rising hopes that the upcoming inquest will end her three-year wait for answers.
Veteran cameraman Mark Milsome was fatally injured when a Land Rover Defender crashed into him during the filming of Black Earth Rising. The series, written and directed by Hugo Blick, was produced by Forgiving Earth Limited.
Following the 54-year-old’s death, his wife Andra instructed expert international accident lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to support her through the inquest process.
Andra, 58, has now spoken of how she hopes the hearing will provide her and the couple’s daughter Alice, 14, with much-needed answers regarding Mark’s death.
Caroline Davies, the solicitor at Irwin Mitchell supporting Andra and Alice, said: “Not only was Mark well-renowned in the film and TV industry, he was also a loving, caring and devoted husband and dad.
“The last few years have been incredibly difficult for Andra and Alice as they attempted to try and come to terms with Mark’s sudden and unexpected death.
“Understandably they have many concerns regarding how he died. They’re now hopeful that the inquest will at least provide them with the answers they deserve.
“If during the course of the hearing any issues regarding safety practices are identified, it’s vital, where possible, that lessons are learned.”
Mark was much loved among colleagues and had a long career in the industry. He had worked on countless TV series including Game of Thrones, Sherlock and Downtown Abbey as well as Hollywood blockbusters Saving Private Ryan, The Theory of Everything and James Bond film Quantum of Solace.
He and Andra met in 2002 and married in 2005. The couple lived in Hay-on-Wye in Powys.
Mark was filming a stunt for Black Earth Rising, a co-production between the BBC and Netflix, in Ghana in November 2017 when he was killed.
The Land Rover was attempting a roll over stunt before it collided with him and his camera.
Production was halted following his death during the night shoot for a car stunt. Police in Ghana are still investigating Mark's death.
Andra said: “Although Mark was away a lot, we had a great relationship. We completed each other. He was a real family man. When he was on location for work he would call or Skype three or four times a day and when he was at home he pretty much spent all of his time with me and Alice.
“Mark’s death has been incredibly difficult for us. The hurt and pain we continue to feel each day is as strong now as it was the day he died. While it’s nearly three years since Mark’s death, time has literally stood still for us. Not knowing the full facts surrounding Mark’s death has made trying to come to terms with what happened even harder.
“I know that attending the inquest and having to listen to the evidence as to how Mark died is going to be emotional. However, it’s something I have to do to get the answers and honour his memory. If the inquest finds there are lessons to be learned to improve safety it’s crucial they are.”
In the wake of Mark’s death, his family launched the Mark Milsome Foundation (MMF) which aims to nurture young film-making talent.
Stars, including Robert De Niro, Dame Judy Dench and Johnny Depp, have backed the cause by wearing the foundation's T-shirts.
The inquest is due to take place at West London Coroner’s Court on Tuesday, October 20, and is listed for four days.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here