Father Killed During Filming of the BBC/Netflix Series Black Earth Rising in Ghana

The wife of a British cameraman killed during the filming of the BBC and Netflix television series Black Earth Rising hopes that the upcoming inquest will end her long three-year wait for answers.

Veteran cameraman Mark Milsome was fatally injured when a Land Rover Defender crashed into him during the filming of Black Earth Rising. The series, written and directed by Hugo Blick, was produced by Forgiving Earth Limited.

Following the 54-year-old’s death, his wife Andra instructed expert international accident lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to support her through the inquest process.

Andra, 58, has now spoken of how she hopes the hearing will provide her and the couple’s daughter Alice, 14, with much-needed answers regarding Mark’s death.

Caroline Davies, the solicitor at Irwin Mitchell supporting Andra and Alice, said: “Not only was Mark well-renowned in the film and TV industry, he was also a loving, caring and devoted husband and dad.

“The last few years have been incredibly difficult for Andra and Alice as they attempted to try and come to terms with Mark’s sudden and unexpected death.

“Understandably they have many concerns regarding how he died. They’re now hopeful that the inquest will at least provide them with the answers they deserve.

“If during the course of the hearing any issues regarding safety practices are identified, it’s vital, where possible, that lessons are learned.”

Mark was much loved amongst colleagues and had a long career in the industry.  He had worked on countless TV series including Game of Thrones, Sherlock and Downtown Abbey as well as Hollywood blockbusters such as Saving Private Ryan, The Theory of Everything and Quantum of Solace.

He and Andra met in 2002 and married in 2005. The couple lived in Hay-on-Wye in Wales.

Mark was filming a stunt for Black Earth Rising, a co-production between the BBC and Netflix, in Ghana in November 2017 when he was killed.

The Land Rover was attempting a roll over stunt before it collided with him and his camera. 

Andra said: “Although Mark was away a lot, we had a great relationship. We completed each other. He was a real family man. When he was on location for work he would call or Skype three or four times a day and when he was at home he pretty much spent all of his time with me and Alice.

“Mark’s death has been incredibly difficult for us. The hurt and pain we continue to feel each day is as strong now as it was the day he died. While it’s nearly three years since Mark’s death, time has literally stood still for us. Not knowing the full facts surrounding Mark’s death has made trying to come to terms with what happened even harder.

“I know that attending the inquest and having to listen to the evidence as to how Mark died is going to be emotional. However, it’s something I have to do to get the answers and honour his memory. If the inquest finds there are lessons to be learned to improve safety it’s crucial they are.”

An inquest is due to take place at West London Coroner’s Court on Tuesday, 20 October, and is listed for four days. 

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