Teen in coma after filming for Anderson Cooper show

CNN’s Anderson Cooper has a new syndicated talk show, Anderson, that has been on air in the US for three weeks. Unlike Anderson Cooper 360, it doesn’t air in Australia.

But awkwardly, the show is already connected to a tragedy after a teenager who was due to appear on it is now in a coma after filming himself skateboarding for the show.

Gawker reports that a producer allegedly encouraged him to record his behaviour for an episode that delved into how the adolescent mind operated. The producer told the teenager to “film the crazy stuff you do.” The teenager subsequently filmed himself skateboarding and fell, where he suffered a serious injury to the head, and is in a coma, the report states.

The episode was never broadcast.

In a statement a representative says, “Our producers were working with a teen and his parents on a show about the science of the Teenage Brain, based on a National Geographic story.

“As part of our routine process, we ask guests for video footage and photos. We did not provide the family with a camera. On the morning that they were supposed to travel to NYC, we learned that the teen had been injured. We are very concerned about him, and are thinking of him and his family at this time.”

Anderson Cooper has also released a statement saying, “I was very saddened to hear the news of this accident, and want to express my deepest concerns for the teenager who was injured.

“I take this situation seriously, and my thoughts and prayers for his health, well-being and recovery are with him and his family.”

Cooper has always struck me as a sincere and creditable journo, this would be distressing to all. It will raise questions about what lengths producers go to for footage or whether the teenager was too zealous in assisting. Very sad.

Source: Hollywood Reporter