Citrus County, Florida, Mourns Tragic Loss of Steve Mensch
Steve Mensch, the president and general manager of studio operations at Tyler Perry Studios, tragically died in a plane crash late Friday night. The incident occurred just after 8 p.m. in Citrus County, Florida, where the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) found Mensch pronounced dead at the crash site.
Details of the Crash
The FHP confirmed that the crash involved a single-engine fixed-wing airplane near West White Dogwood Drive, close to the intersection with US-98. Although the agency did not officially name the deceased, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office identified him as the 62-year-old Mensch, who resided in Fayetteville, Georgia.
Response from Tyler Perry Studios
In an email to media outlets, Tyler Perry Studios expressed deep sadness over Mensch’s passing, referring to him as a “cherished member” of the team for more than eight years. The studio remarked, “It is hard to imagine not seeing him smiling throughout the halls.” They extended condolences to his family and described a significant loss for the community and the studio.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that Mensch was the sole occupant of the single-engine Vans RV12 aircraft at the time of the accident. An investigator from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is set to visit the crash site to document the scene and investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. A preliminary report from the NTSB is expected to be released within 30 days, according to an email sent to media outlets.
Mensch’s Contributions and Legacy
Mensch played a crucial role in managing the daily operations at Tyler Perry Studios, located on a sprawling 300-acre lot in Atlanta, Georgia. His extensive knowledge and leadership have contributed to the studio’s growth and success in the film industry. In a previous interview, Mensch provided insight into the studio’s unique blend of historic significance and modern technology, saying it served as “the only major motion picture studio on the East Coast.”
He highlighted the studio’s rich history, which dates back to 1885, noting that it houses 40 buildings on the national register. Mensch emphasized how the old and new aspects of the studio come together harmoniously, combining a century of Hollywood’s best practices with cutting-edge technology.
Community Reactions
Tyler Perry, the owner of Tyler Perry Studios, described Mensch as a “kind soul and a great leader.” He expressed his confusion over the accident, stating, “I’ve been trying to understand this tragedy all day—what went wrong with that plane.” Perry shared that Mensch had a passion for flying and took pride in his aircraft. He expressed his devastation over the loss, stating, “I’m praying for his family as we all try to make sense of this heartbreak.”
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp also paid tribute to Mensch via social media, recognizing him as “a good man” whose contributions significantly impacted the state’s film industry. He noted Mensch’s role in fostering opportunities in Georgia, stating that his achievements improved the state.
Conclusion
The untimely passing of Steve Mensch has left a profound impact on both Tyler Perry Studios and the broader community. As investigations into the crash continue, many will remember Mensch as a dedicated leader and a cherished friend.
