Steve Mensch, the president and general manager of studio operations at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, died in a single-seater plane crash in Florida on Dec. 6.
TMZ first reported the news early this morning. A spokesperson for Tyler Perry Studios later confirmed the news with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
According to multiple news reports, Mensch was flying the plane when it crashed on a road in Homosassa, FL. A Fox outlet in Tampa Bay reported that the crash happened on West White Dogwood Drive near the intersection of US 98.
Mensch served as president of Tyler Perry Studios since 2016, managed Perry’s 300-acre studio in southwest Atlanta.
“We are incredibly saddened by the passing of our dear friend Steve Mensch,” reads a statement from Tyler Perry Studios, printed by the AJC. “Steve was a cherished member of our team for more than eight years and well beloved in the community of Atlanta. It’s hard to imagine not seeing him smiling throughout the halls. We will miss him dearly. Our heart goes out to his family as we all send them our prayers.”
The board of directors of the Georgia Production Partnership (GPP), a nonprofit that works to promote the Georgia film industry, also offered a comment on Mensch’s passing.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Steve Mensch, President of Tyler Perry Studios, a former president of the Georgia Production Partnership and a steadfast advocate for the Georgia film industry, reads the statement. “Steve’s leadership and vision helped lay the foundation for what GPP is today and solidified Georgia’s position as a global leader in film and television production.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also released a statement the passing of Mensch.
“I was incredibly sad to learn about the tragic passing of Steve Mensch, the President and General Manager of Tyler Perry Studios. Aside from being instrumental in establishing Atlanta as a premier destination for global film and television production, he was a trusted friend and supporter of the Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment,” Dickens said. “Whether he was hosting national conferences or allowing our interns to tour the grounds of TPS, he was always willing to share his expertise and inspire others to pursue their passion. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at Tyler Perry Studios.”
The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) also shared their sadness over Mensch’s passing. Mensch was a board member of the AJFF, serving as a juror and Festival Chair over the years.
“True to his name, Steve was truly a mensch—a kind, generous, and inspiring presence whose passion for the film industry and unwavering dedication to AJFF and our Atlanta community will inspire us always,” reads the AJFF”s statement. “Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed.”
Lee Thomas, the deputy commissioner of the Georgia Film Office, called Mensch’s passing “a huge loss.” She shared that Mensch was an advocate for Georgia’s film tax credit and that he was instrumental in the growth of multiple studios in the state, such as Turner Studios and Third Rail Studios.
“Steve’s legacy was much more than his impressive resume – he was a great friend. Those who knew him know he had genuine warmth, a great sense of humor, and was always willing to jump in and help whenever needed,” Thomas said.
This article has been updated with a statement from GPP, Mayor Andre Dickens, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival and Georgia Film Office Deputy Commissioner Lee Thomas.
