MythBusters Family Mourns Erik Gates, Beloved Team Member Who Died After Tragic 30-Foot Fal

The MythBusters community is mourning the sudden loss of Erik Gates, a longtime team member remembered for his creativity, kindness, and behind-the-scenes dedication to the hit science series. Gates died following a tragic 30-foot fall, colleagues confirmed.
Gates was a respected fabricator and builder who worked alongside the MythBusters crew, helping bring some of the show’s most ambitious experiments and builds to life. Though often off-camera, his work was integral to the magic that made the series a global phenomenon. Cast and crew members describe him as talented, generous, and endlessly passionate about solving problems with science and ingenuity.
“Erik was the kind of guy who could make anything work,” a former team member shared. “He had a brilliant mind and an even bigger heart. The shop won’t be the same without him.”
Details surrounding the fall have not been fully released. Friends say Gates was doing what he loved — building, creating, and working with his hands — when the accident occurred. Emergency responders were called, but the injuries from the 30-foot fall proved fatal.
Tributes have poured in from across the MythBusters family and the wider maker and special effects community. Many remember Gates not just for his technical skill, but for his mentorship, his humor, and his willingness to help anyone who asked.
“He embodied the MythBusters spirit,” another colleague said. “Curious, fearless, and always ready to lend a hand. This is a devastating loss.”
The show, which ran from 2003 to 2018, inspired a generation of scientists, engineers, and makers. Team members like Erik Gates were the backbone of that legacy — the builders who turned wild ideas into reality.
Funeral arrangements for Erik Gates have not yet been announced. His family has asked for privacy as they grieve.
Erik Gates was deeply respected and deeply loved. He leaves behind friends, colleagues, and a community forever impacted by his work and his spirit. He will be missed beyond words.