Eminem’s former stunt double, Ryan Shepard, has passed away at the age of 40. The performer died in a tragic accident that took place in Washington at the end of January this year, his brother has confirmed.
Shepard made several appearances as a body double for Eminem. He shot to wide fame after appearing on MTV Movie Awards. He also joined the Rap God for his tour in 2002. Continue reading to know more about his life and career.
Eminem’s Former Double Ryan Ryan Dies at 40
Ryan’s brother Kyle informed that he was hit by a pickup truck while trying to cross a street in Washington last month. He was taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead soon after. The report was first announced by media tabloid TMZ.
Ryan not only worked as Eminem’s stunt double but also as his stand-in at a number of events. He also served as his photo double in the early 2000s. His most famous appearance was at the MTV Movie Awards, where he took up the costume of Slim Shady’s superhero character Rap Boy. Ryan was seen suspended in the air at the ceremony, impressing fans.
In 2002, he accompanied the rapper on his Anger Management Tour and also on his concerts in Japan and Europe in 2003. He also starred as Eminem’s double in D12’s Purple Hills music video.
Ryan was Currently Working as an Animatronics Engineer
After leaving the stunt-double job, Ryan switched to a completely different career. Kyle says that his brother was a very intelligent man who worked at Disney as a ride mechanical engineer. He then went on to work at Elon Musk’s SpaceX as a test automation engineer.
At the time of his death, he was working as Lead Animatronics Engineer at the California-based firm Garner Holt Productions. His LinkedIn profile says that he was also serving as the CEO of an automation company named RS Robotics.
“Creative Engineer with a passion for Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Automation. Experienced in Machining and Prototype Fabrication. Specialties: Expertise Mechanical Engineering Design & Analysis, Automation, Robotics, and Programming,” reads his profile. Ryan is survived by his two children: a 7 year old and an 11 year old.
Social Media Reacts to the News
While some social media users paid condolences to the departed soul, others were confused over why Eminem needed a stunt double. “This is terrible news. RIP Ryan Shepard. My deepest condolences to your family,” wrote a user.
Another tweeted, “So I just learned that Ryan Shepard actually died about a week ago. He was M’s body/stunt double in the early 2000’s. He was a pedestrian killed in a car accident in an intersection. RIP.”
“RIP Ryan Shepard. God bless you. I’m sorry you had to go in a such brutal way,” wrote another, and a confused fan tweeted, “Why did he have a stunt double in the first place? It’s not like bro plays in any movies.”
Our condolences to Ryan Shepard’s family and friends. May his soul rest in peace!