Fatal Accident on the Apes Set

By Azad November 8, 2000 8:56 PM

An investigation conducted by the Cal/OSHA is currently in progress relating to a fatal accident that occurred during pre-production of Fox's upcoming movie Planet of the Apes, according to a news briefing from The Hollywood Reporter.

Paul Trachtenberg, 42, a scenic artist who was painting a floor-to-ceiling backdrop for the film's set, was killed Oct. 30 when he fell off a platform that had been raised about 20 feet above the floor of the Los Angeles Center Studios.

Trachtenberg was immediately rushed to a local trauma center, where he died of his severe injuries. Dean Fryer, a spokesman for the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, stated that the agency would investigate such issues as training and proper operation of the lift on which Trachtenberg was working.

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RE: Fatal Accident on the Apes Set   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on November 9, 2000 3:30 AM

Noting the similarity in last names here, would he be any relation to Michelle Trachtenberg on Buffy the Vampire Slayer?

RE: Fatal Accident on the Apes Set   reply

Posted by Jack (jack@dtheatre.com) on November 9, 2000 1:14 PM

EJ is always good at letting us know about the fatal accidents on movie/TV sets.. 

See This story

RE: Fatal Accident on the Apes Set   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on June 2, 2003 5:48 PM

No, he was a good friend though!  He was an immigrant from Argentina and a very talented guy.  I miss him dearly.

PGS

Fatal Accident on the Apes Set- Paul Trachtenburg   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on October 31, 2014 4:25 PM

Paul was a good friend and work colleague of mine.
We worked together as scenic artists at Walt Disney Imagineering in North Hollywood. I remember him today on Oct 31st 2014.
14 years after his passing.
My names Stephen Page, the English guy. If any of Pauls old friends or family see this please drop me a line at steviepage@hotmail.com
I'm also on Facebook as Stephen Page.