At a Glance
- Veteran cast member Robert Herrick fractured two neck vertebrae stopping a 400-lb runaway boulder
- Incident occurred Dec. 30, 2025, during Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! at Disney World
- Herrick has performed in the show for over 30 years
- Why it matters: Heroic act highlights risks faced by theme-park performers and raises safety questions
A longtime Disney World stunt performer is recovering after breaking two vertebrae in his neck while shielding guests from a malfunctioning 400-pound prop during a live Indiana Jones show.
The Moment the Boulder Went Rogue
Robert Herrick, a cast member with 30-plus years in the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! at Hollywood Studios, was on stage Dec. 30, 2025, when the giant boulder-central to the show’s signature chase scene-veered off its intended track and rolled toward the audience.
“My only thought was that thing could reach the audience,” Herrick told WFTV Channel 9 in a Jan. 13 interview. “It couldn’t.”
Without hesitation, Herrick stepped in to block the runaway prop. The impact hurled him backward, and he landed on his back. He was rushed for medical care and later learned he had fractured two vertebrae in his neck.
“Hero” Label Brings Mixed Emotions
Herrick has been praised for quick action that likely prevented serious guest injuries, yet he downplays the hero label.
“There was no thought about that at all,” he said. “Thirty-plus years of being on that stage that I love so much. I love that show with all my heart. My Epic family, I love, put me in that position.”
Doctors have told him to expect several weeks in a neck brace while the bones heal.
Show History and Safety Review
The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! recreates the famous rolling-boulder sequence from Raiders of the Lost Ark. Disney’s website promises guests will “watch live as the daring duo dodges deadly traps, battles bad guys, leaps from tall buildings and makes thrilling escapes.”
Following the incident:
- Disney stated it is “focused on supporting our cast member who is recovering”
- The company says “that element of the show will be modified as our safety team completes a review”
Fundraiser Aims to Offset Recovery Costs
Herrick’s sister-in-law launched a GoFundMe to help Herrick, his wife, and their three daughters cover living costs while he is out of work.
Key details:
- Goal set at $10,000
- More than $6,900 raised as of the latest update
- The family will donate 10 percent of proceeds to Make-A-Wish Foundation (Central and Northern Florida)
“Any contribution will help ease the burden and allow them to focus on healing and being together during this time,” the campaign page reads.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec. 30, 2025 | Boulder malfunctions; Herrick injured |
| Jan. 13, 2025 | Herrick describes injuries in TV interview |
| Ongoing | Fundraiser continues; show element under safety review |
Key Takeaways
- A veteran performer is recovering after a serious on-stage injury
- Disney has pledged to review and modify the stunt sequence
- Community support has poured in through donations to the family’s fundraiser
