Dead 'Ranger' worker helped on 'Pirates'

Jerry Bruckheimer holds his Emmy for Amazing Race at the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 23, 2012. UPI/Danny Moloshok

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Published: Sept. 24, 2012 at 5:18 PM

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- The crew member who died on the Los Angeles set of "The Lone Ranger" was a longtime collaborator of producer Jerry Bruckheimer and actor Johnny Depp, TMZ said.

Mike Bridger was a 48-year-old welder and water safety expert with more than 20 years experience in the entertainment industry.

He also worked with Bruckheimer and Depp on the "Pirates of the Caribbean" film franchise, the website said, adding Bridger was well-liked and respected by both the producer and actor.

Bridger's friends told TMZ his family does not blame the production company for his death and accepts it was the result of a heart attack he had while working in a large water tank.