[Archive 2025-08-19] Stunt performer set ablaze for cover artwork of Pink Floyd album dies aged 88

Historical archive — originally published 2025-08-19. This report records what was known on that date. It is not current news; subsequent events may have changed the situation. Wikinews closed in May 2026.

On August 12, Ronnie Rondell Jr., the stunt performer best known for appearing as the man set ablaze on the front cover artwork of English rock band Pink Floyd's 1975 studio album Wish You Were Here, died at an assisted living facility in Osage Beach, Missouri. His death was announced by his family on a funeral home website on August 17. His cause of death was not specified. He was 88 years old.

Rondell was born in 1937. He graduated North Hollywood High School before enlisting in the US Navy, where he excelled at scuba diving and mining. He later began working as a stunt double for films and television. Some of his stunts included gymnastics and hang gliding.

Most notably in 1975, he appeared engulfed in flames on Pink Floyd's album cover alongside another stunt performer. The photo was to give the interpretation of one music business executive getting "burned" by another executive in a business dealing.

He sustained numerous injuries throughout his career, including but not limited to concussions and broken ribs. He was quoted saying: "You never told anyone you were hurt because they always had another guy that could fit the clothes." He retired in 2000.

Other films he was involved with include Lethal Weapon, Thelma And Louise, Batman & Robin, Twister and Star Trek: First Contact. His final credit was in 2003's The Matrix Reloaded, in which he came out of retirement to film a car chase scene.

Rondell left behind a wife of 56 years and a son. Another son of his, who also worked as a stunt double, died in 1985 aged 22 in a helicopter accident while attempting an aviation stunt.

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