Car accident kills Black Panther stuntman, three children
A stuntman who worked in films, including the Black Panther and Avengers series, died on Halloween night after his vehicle struck a tractor trailer on Interstate 20 eastbound at Wesley Chapel Road in DeKalb County.
According to DeKalb County Fire and Rescue officials, 41-year-old Taraja Ramsess was driving and had four children in his vehicle when he crashed into a tractor-trailer that had broken down on the side of the exit ramp.
Two of his children were ejected from the vehicle during the crash, stated officials.
Taraja Ramsess’ mother Akili Ramsess later confirmed on social media that two of the children, 13-year-old Sundari Ramsess and 8-week-old Fujibo Ramsess died at the scene.
Taraja Ramsess’ 10-year-old son Kisasi Ramsess was on life support after the accident and later died of his injuries.
Three-year-old Shazia Ramsess sustained minor injuries and was briefly hospitalized.
Family, friends, and those who worked in the film industry with Taraja Ramsess expressed an outpouring of grief and love after the accident.
“All that knew and met him knew how special Taraja was,” said Akili Ramsess. “He had a deep capacity for love and loved his children more than anything. He loved martial arts, motorcycles, and all things related to filmmaking. He had a wicked sense of humor but could be as cornball corny as can be.”
Award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay described Taraja Ramsess as “regal” and “a leader who was the first to say ‘yes’ when asked to be on camera.”
“He loved making movies and TV too,” DuVernay said. “He held many positions over the years, immersing himself in all aspects of the craft.”
Akili Ramsess described her granddaughter Sundari as “reflecting (her father’s) special light. She was funny and loved to dance.”
A GoFundMe that was set up for Akili Ramsess by Michelle Guido for funeral and other expenses had earned more than $95,000 through more than 1,000 donations at press time.
For more information and to donate, visit https://gofund.me/eec4f3c3.
