Local News
Steve Mensch, Tyler Perry Studios Executive, Dies in Plane Crash
Steve Mensch, president and general manager of studio operations at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, tragically lost his life in a plane crash on Friday evening.
A spokesperson for Tyler Perry Studios expressed the studio’s deep sorrow in an official statement:
“Steve was a cherished member of our team for more than eight years and was deeply beloved within the Atlanta community. His infectious smile and warm demeanor made a lasting impact on everyone he met. It is hard to imagine walking through the halls without seeing his bright presence. We will miss him dearly. Our hearts go out to his family during this unimaginable time, and we send them our deepest prayers.”
Mensch played a vital role in the operations and success of Tyler Perry Studios, where his leadership and dedication left an indelible mark.
His loss is being mourned not only by the studio but by the broader Atlanta community, where he was a well-regarded figure.
Details surrounding the plane crash are still emerging, and further information will be shared as it becomes available.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.