Chase Stokes J Lingo/Shutterstock
It was a terrible loss. Chase StokesHis memory was honored Outer Banks stand-in, Alexander “AJ” Jennings, after he was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Charleston, South Carolina on Tuesday, July 5.
“Still trying to process why certain things happen, and why the world works in the ways that it does,” Stokes, 29, wrote via Instagram Stories on Wednesday, July 6. “My heart is shattered. Your life was just beginning. We JUST talked about how pumped you were about your tunes, how far you’d come with that ole 6 string and your want to keep creating art. Always, always making others hearts warm and being so damn selfless.”
The Dr. Bird’s Advice for Sad Poets actor continued, “I wish I had more words to say right now, but the past day has been a struggle to say the least. We love you all, you have touched our lives and made us better people. Thank you AJ. Fly high angel.”
According to a Kimmie Stewart Casting Agency Facebook post, Jennings’ mother informed her son’s employer of his death. “Outer Banks crew & cast suffered a terrible loss when AJ was stuck by two cars, that fled the scene early this morning. AJ was a beautiful, kind soul & a bright light every day on set. He moved to Charleston from New York to work as our John B photo double/stand in this season,” the post read.
The casting agency’s statement continued, “I cannot fathom the shock and tragedy of AJ’s sudden loss and our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time. I understand this message may be difficult to process for those of you that met & became fast friends with AJ. Netflix HR offers grief counseling. Please contact me by text or email to get the details. I am still at a loss of words how this happened & cannot imagine the pain his family is going through. We will miss this amazing human & his infectious smile dearly.”
According to ABC News 4, Jennings was struck by the second vehicle. Charleston Police identified the vehicle during a traffic stop. There have been no charges.
The third season Outer BanksHe is currently filming in Charleston, and the surrounding areas. Since the premiere of the first season in April 2020, Stokes has played John B. The Tell me your secretsAn alum asked Charleston residents and visitors not to share spoilers about March’s show.
“I hate that I’m having to post this again but please, do not post spoilers of us working,” he wrote via his Instagram Story at the time. “This is an exhausting process, and we have a really exciting story to tell.”
The Maryland native added, “I know you’re all excited and anxious, but I promise, it will be worth the wait.”
