'Deadpool 2' dedicated to stuntwoman, first black woman road racer killed on set

ajc.com

Credit: Najja Parker

Credit: Najja Parker

While filmmakers are celebrating the release of "Deadpool 2," they are also honoring the legacy of Sequana "S. J." Harris, a stuntwoman killed during filming.

In the end credits of the flick, a dedication message appears on the screen. It reads, "In memory of Sequana Harris."

Last year, the New York native was hired as a stunt double for Zazie Beetz, who plays Domino in the flick and is known for her role as Vanessa on FX's "Atlanta." She landed the job thanks to her motorcycle road racing skills. In fact, the competitor had billed herself as “the first licensed African-American woman in U.S. history to actively compete in sanctioned motorcycle road racing events.”

In August, she died on the set while performing a stunt, which she had done successfully four times prior, when she went airborne and crashed through the glass of a building.

After her death, “Deadpool 2” star Ryan Reynolds spoke about the incident.

"We're heartbroken, shocked and devastated...but recognize nothing can come close to the grief and inexplicable pain her family must feel," he wrote on Twitter. "My heart pours out to them -- along with each and every person she touched in this world."

Director David Leitch also mourned her loss last year.

"I'm deeply saddened by the loss of one of our stunt performers today," he said in a statement. "No words can express how I and the rest of the Deadpool 2 crew feel about this tragedy. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and loved ones in this difficult time."

"Deadpool 2" was released May 18.