The infamous Cobra Kai cast member Albert Omstead worked on 21 episodes as part of the Camera and Electrical department. However, he sadly passed away on July 19, 2021, after a terrible accident that took place at his home.
The seventh episode of Cobra Kai season 4 pays tribute to Albert Omstead with a title card that reads, “Albert Omstead 1982-2021 in memoriam.” Not many people knew that Albert Omstead worked in the Camera and Electrical department.
He passed away while he was trying to fix a leak that was flooding the basement when the wall collapsed on him.
The crew member had also worked on several top shows, including The Walking Dead, Atlanta, and Stranger Things.
When Albert passed away in July 2021, Stranger Things actor Gaten Matarazzo paid tribute to him and said, “I send all my love and prayers to the Omstead family.”
Prior to Cobra Kai, Albert worked on some of the most interesting shows Hollywood has to offer. His personality can almost be tracked by the projects he ended up on, such as Sleepy Hollow, Stranger Things, Atlanta, The Walking Dead, and Creepshow. It sounds like October could have been Albert’s favorite month, which we totally get.
The 39-year-old died tragically in a freak accident after a retaining wall at his home collapsed while he was trying to fix a leak.
What did Albert Olmstead do in Cobra Kai?
Albert Olmstead was a crew member in Cobra Kai. He worked as a cameraman and lighting technician in the series.
How did Albert Omstead’s Family react to his death?
OMSTEAD’S FAMILY ON THE PROFESSIONAL’S DEATH…
Albert was known and loved by many as a skilled electrical engineer. He graduated from Augusta University in Georgia and is survived by his wife, Que, and their 5 children. Omstead was always seen with a smile.
His family publicly reported that the professional’s death was caused by a freak accident at his home when a wall suddenly collapsed.
The crew member’s brother-in-law, Scott Wachtel, told 11 Alive about the tragic incident: “The garage door was closed and there was a van parked right here (in front of garage), so he couldn’t run this way (towards garage), he couldn’t run this way (away from the garage) because the rest of the wall was collapsing over here, so he had nowhere to go.”
Wachtel continued: “Had he gone out there five minutes earlier or five minutes later, our world would be an entirely different place right now.”
Netflix star’s reactions to his death
Stranger Things star, Gaten Matarazzo, posted a tribute on Instagram. The actor captioned the post: “Sending love and prayers to the Omstead family.”
Gaten continued: “A funny, caring, hard working, firecracker of a man. Sending love to his wife Que and to his five kids.”
He added: “He is a prime example of the incredible, and massive community it takes to make a show like this.”
Cause of Albert Omstaed’s Death
Albert Omstead, 39 years old, was fixing a leak in his basement when a wall crushed him – in July 2021 in Georgia. The wall suddenly collapsed according to reports confirmed by his family and local news outlets.
It is saddening to say that due to this freak accident caused by a retaining wall, we have lost such a gem of a person! He was amazing and will always be remembered and held dearly.
If you want to support his family, please consider donating to his official GoFundMe account.
Albert Omstead’s Journey
Before the bright lights of Hollywood beckoned, Albert Olmstead lived a life of quiet hustle in Atlanta. By day, he was a pharmacy technician at Kroger, meticulously counting pills and handing out prescriptions with a steady hand and a warm smile—skills that hinted at the precision he’d later bring to film sets. But he wasn’t just a 9-to-5 guy. By night, he slung drinks as a bartender, mixing cocktails with the same flair he’d one day use to rig lights or tweak sound. Picture him behind the bar, chatting up regulars, a sketchpad tucked under the counter where he’d doodle cartoons in stolen moments—little bursts of creativity that foreshadowed his leap into the chaotic, colorful world of film production.
It’s a wild arc: from measuring out cough syrup to illuminating the dojo battles of Cobra Kai. Friends say he loved drawing—cartoons were his escape, a way to unwind after juggling two gigs. Maybe it was that artistic itch, that need to create, that nudged him toward the entertainment industry. He traded the sterile calm of the pharmacy and the buzz of the bar for the high-stakes hum of soundstages, where he found his true calling. Shows like Stranger Things and The Walking Dead became his canvas, his technical know-how and easygoing vibe making him a go-to guy behind the scenes. It’s the kind of pivot that turns a regular Joe into a quiet legend—proof that sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the brightest spots.
