When a Music Video Stunt Turns Seriously (And Not So Seriously)
Jon James McMurray, a Canadian rapper with a knack for high‑flying drama, met an untimely end while attempting what he proudly called “the ultimate adrenaline rush.” The 33‑year‑old former athlete was literally walking a mile (or more) on the wing of a Cessna over the quiet town of Vernon, British Columbia, on Saturday, Oct. 20.
It’s the kind of stunt that usually ends with a triumphant flip in a music video—except this time, the sky’s verdict was less forgiving. His management team explained that Jon had ventured too far out of the pilot’s reach. The plane pitched down, the pilot couldn’t recover, and the moment was swallowed by gravity.
“He clung to the wing until there was no time left,” the statement read. “By the time he let go, a parachute couldn’t save him. He impacted and died instantly.” Fortunately, the pilot managed to land the aircraft safely, and no one else was harmed.
Where the Stunt Went Wrong
Jon’s body was later found in a hay field north‑west of Vernon, a location that turned from a stage for a daring highlight to a tragic remembrance spot.
Friends Remember a Bold Spirit
His best friend, professional skier Rory Bushfield, paid tribute on Instagram, saying:
- “He was living his ultimate dream, free and full…”
- “You were a good man, you brightened everyone around you.”
- “I promise to live as freely as you did.”
These words echo a deep admiration for a man who never shied from pushing boundaries.
Legacy Left Behind
McMurray leaves a wife, a father, and a brother who will carry the weight of loss but also the light he shone back into their lives.
In a world where go‑home‑after‑a stunt might be the dream—sometimes it’s the nightmare. Jon’s story remains a stark reminder that fearlessness can come with a heavy price.
