HOLLYWOOD stuntman and Chris Pratt’s longtime double Tony McFarr’s cause of death has been revealed.
On Wednesday, TMZ reported that Tony died from a heart issue that was likely caused by heavy drinking.
The outlet cited official documents from Florida’s Orange County Medical Examiner’s office.
According to the paperwork, the medical examiner found Tony’s death was caused by an irregular heartbeat, noting an issue with his heart’s valves.
The coroner determined that acute alcohol poisoning and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) contributed to the stuntman’s death in May this year.
COPD is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties.
Tony’s autopsy also found he had a history of binge drinking alcohol.
The well-known Hollywood stuntman collaborated with Chris on several projects including Jurassic World, its sequel Jurassic Worl: Fallen Kingdom, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
Tony’s mother Donna announced his “unexpected and sudden” death at the age of 47 in a statement to TMZ on May 16, 2024.
She said Tony died at his home in Orlando, Florida on May 13, 2024, adding that the circumstances of his death were not known at the time.
Chris, 45, reacted to Tony’s passing in a heartfelt tribute posted on Instagram, writing he was “devastated to hear about the loss of my friend and former stunt double.”
Honoring him as “an absolute stud” and “a gentleman and professional”, Chris recalled some of his fondest memories with Tony over the years.
Chris Pratt’s stunt double for Jurassic World and Guardians of the Galaxy movies Tony McFarr dead at 47
“We did several movies together. We golfed, drank whiskey, smoked cigars, and spent endless hours on set.”
“I’ll never forget his toughness.”
Praising Tony’s work ethic, Chris remembered a time during the filming of the Guardians sequel when “he took a nasty shot to the head…and got several staples in his head.
“He came right back to work ready to go again,” the actor continued. “He’ll be missed. My prayers go out to his friends and family, especially his daughter.”
Tony and Chris first worked together in 2015 while filming Jurassic World, when they formed a close friendship and successful professional partnership that continued for many years.
Tony’s stunt career began in 2011 with an episode on the police procedural drama Bones.
His other credits included prominent film and TV projects such as Homeland, Teen Wolf, Captain America: Civil War, and The Accountant.
Chris documented his time working with Tony in a post on Instagram eight years ago, while filming Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.
Sharing a picture of the duo dressed in their identical costumes, Chris captioned the 2016 post, “Here’s me and my stunt-man Tony McFarr (also Tommy Harper stunt coordinator and our first AD Lars Winther) on set.
“Been working with Tony since Jurassic World,” he continued. “Love you buddy! Happy wrap!”
Tony is survived by a daughter, his parents, and a sister, TMZ reported.
