During a stage production of "Harold and Maude," he re-created the
famous opening to the Hal Ashby film by tying a noose around his neck
and hanging himself. Due to budgetary restraints, the harness used to
support him was old and used, and after the run of the show, Karner
felt sharp pains in his testicular area. Rushing to the hospital, he
was told that his testicles had been severely twisted and blood was not
able to pump into them. Surgery was performed immediately and
successfully, leaving him well again. Doctors informed him that if he
had come into the emergency room a few hours later, it is likely he
would have lost one or both of his testicles.