A stuntman who was shot dead while filming a music video in an underground Brisbane bar had posted footage on social media just hours before his death, showing a cache of prop guns and weapons that were to be used during the film shoot.
"Gun scene for bliss n eso," wrote Johann Ofner, 28, a Gold Coast stuntman who was to appear in the music video for the Australian hip hop band, alongside footage of him placing a handgun on a poker table in front of him.
The exact circumstances of what occurred inside the Brooklyn Standard bar just before 2pm on Monday are still being investigated, but police said Ofner was shot in the chest during the filming of the music video.
Several guns were fired during the incident, police said. A double-barreled shotgun is believed to have delivered the fatal shots.
Between 10 and 20 stunned crew members saw the tragedy unfold, and some performed CPR on their critically injured colleague until paramedics arrived.
Ofner, a former carpenter who was due to compete in Channel Nine's upcoming show Australian Ninja Warrior, died at the scene.
He is survived by a young daughter and his partner, Kati Garnett, who said: "Today the love of my life was taken from me and I still can't believe it".
Ms Garnett posted a photograph of the pair on Instagram, with the caption: "I don't know what I'm going to do without you, the best people are always taken from us you were a true angel. I love you so so much forever and ever."
The casting call for Bliss n Eso's new single, Friend Like You, had been sent out in early January to their near-52,000 Twitter followers, calling for "a diverse range of people of all ages and cultural backgrounds".
"Whether you're an aspiring actor looking for on set experience, or you just love being in front of the camera, this is for you!" it read.
About 9.30am on Monday, less than five hours before his death, Ofner shared footage on his Instagram account showing the inside the bar before official filming started.
"Our Asian gangster props today!" he wrote, alongside footage of a man sitting at a bar.
He panned over a case of weapons sitting on a table, which was also covered with rolls of cash and poker chips.
He also filmed a man, believed to be another actor, pushing a prop knife with a retractable blade into his stomach, alongside the caption: "Faulty props" and a laughing emoji.
Police were investigating whether simulated ammunition had malfunctioned or been incorrectly used as faux bullets flew in the "gangland scenario" of the music video.
Detective Inspector Tom Armitt said police would investigate whether all safety requirements were followed.
"We're making further inquiries regarding the supplier of the firearms used (and) the manufacturer of the simulated ammunition," he said.
"So all those sorts of investigations will be undertaken in order to present the brief to the coroner."
Police said the incident was believed to be accidental but was being treated as suspicious until proven otherwise.
Shocked friends inundated his Facebook page with messages of condolence following his death.
One friend, Mark, wrote: "Rest in peace man, you were one of the most genuine, humble and earnest people I've ever met. RIP, my thoughts are with your daughter who just lost an incredible father."
"Beyond broken," wrote Danielle. "Sending love and strength beyond words."
Bliss n Eso were not on the set when Ofner was shot.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the band said they were "incredibly saddened" by the tragedy.
