Sunday, February 16, 2025

Tyler Perry Studios’ President Killed in Tragic Plane Crash

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CNN

Steve Mensch, president and general manager of studio operations at Tyler Perry Studios, tragically lost his life in a plane crash on Friday night, as confirmed by officials.

The Florida Highway Patrol reported discovering Mensch at the scene shortly after 8 p.m. in Citrus County, Florida. Although the agency did not specifically name him, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office identified him as the 62-year-old from Fayetteville, Georgia.

“FHP Troopers responded to a crash involving a single-engine fixed-wing airplane on West White Dogwood Drive near US-98,” stated the agency. “An adult male inside the aircraft was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

In an email to CNN on Saturday, Tyler Perry Studios expressed deep sorrow over Mensch’s passing, stating, “Steve was not just a cherished team member for over eight years, but also a beloved figure in the Atlanta community. His warm smile will be profoundly missed.”

The Federal Aviation Administration revealed that the pilot was the sole occupant of the single-engine Vans RV12. Meanwhile, a National Transportation Safety Board investigator is expected to arrive at the crash site as early as Saturday to begin investigating and documenting the scene.

Mensch, who managed the daily operations at the expansive 300-acre Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, highlighted in a 2019 interview the studio’s unique blend of rich history and modern technology, declaring it the “only major motion picture studio on the East Coast.”

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp paid tribute to Mensch on social media, lauding him as “a good man” whose contributions greatly enriched the state’s film industry.

CNN’s Lisa Respers France and Kia Fatahi contributed to this report.


Vocabulary List:

  1. Tragically /ˈtrædʒ.ɪ.kli/ (adverb): In a way that causes great distress or sadness.
  2. Occupant /ˈɒk.jə.pənt/ (noun): A person who resides or is present in a particular place.
  3. Cherished /ˈtʃer.ɪʃt/ (adjective): Dearly loved and valued.
  4. Sorrow /ˈsɔː.roʊ/ (noun): A feeling of deep distress caused by loss or disappointment.
  5. Investigating /ɪnˈvɛs.tɪ.ɡeɪ.tɪŋ/ (verb): Carrying out a careful inquiry or examination.
  6. Contributions /ˌkɒn.trɪˈbjuː.ʃənz/ (noun): The act of giving or supplying something typically for a common purpose.

How much do you know?


Where did the plane crash involving Steve Mensch occur?
Citrus County, Florida
Fayetteville, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia
West White Dogwood Drive


How did the Federal Aviation Administration describe the pilot of the crashed airplane?
A flight instructor
A trainee pilot
The sole occupant
A commercial airline pilot


What was Steve Mensch’s role at Tyler Perry Studios?
Producer
General Manager
Director
Actor


Who identified Steve Mensch after the crash?
Florida Highway Patrol
Citrus County Sheriff’s Office
National Transportation Safety Board
Tyler Perry Studios


Which agency confirmed Steve Mensch’s death in the plane crash?
Tyler Perry Studios
Florida Highway Patrol
National Transportation Safety Board
CNN


How was Steve Mensch described by Tyler Perry Studios in their email to CNN?
A newcomer
A troublemaker
A cherished team member
A controversial figure


The pilot of the crashed airplane was not the only occupant.


The crash site was in Atlanta, Georgia.


Steve Mensch was praised for his negative impact on the film industry.


The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office named Steve Mensch.


Tyler Perry Studios claimed Steve Mensch was a newcomer.


The National Transportation Safety Board investigated the crash site.


The airplane involved in the crash was a single-engine .


Tyler Perry Studios is described as the “only major motion picture studio on the .”


The FAA revealed that the pilot was the sole of the aircraft.


The agency that responded to the crash involving Steve Mensch was the Florida Highway .


Lisa Respers France and Kia Fatahi to the report.

This question is required


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