Heartbroken: Devastating news for Meghan Markle’s BFF Tyler Perry after his studio president was killed in plane crash at 62: ‘We will miss him dearly….Read More

A prominent filmmaker and good friend of Meghan Markle has been hit with devastating news after a fatal plane crash.

Steve Mensch, the president and manager of general operations at Tyler Perry Studios, died in a single-seater plane crash in Florida on Friday, according to a source close to the studios, per TMZ.

He was 62.

Highway Patrol Troopers told local media that they responded to the fatal crash, which occurred in Homosassa, a short distance from the Gulf Coast.

Mensch served as president of Tyler Perry Studios since 2016, with his LinkedIn profile detailing that he oversaw operations at Perry’s 300-acre studio in Atlanta. Mensch noted that he became a “significant figure” in the Georgia business community.

Tyler Perry Studios released a statement, sharing their sadness over the news.

“We are incredibly saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Steve Mensch,” a rep for Tyler Perry Studios said in a statement, per Deadline.

“Steve was a cherished member of our team for more than 8 years, and well-beloved in the community of Atlanta. It is 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

Mensch’s death comes on the heels of Perry being honored at the Paley Center for Media’s annual fall gala. The “Madea” star, 55, was recognized for his achievements as an actor, writer, director, producer, philanthropist and the founder of Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.

“I am just delighted to be here tonight — and I really do mean that, because I don’t like to go out much — but I’m out tonight because I get to talk about my big little brother,” the talk show host declared. “He is a giant among men. Not only in what you see in his 6’6″ physical stature, but he is a giant soul. He has a ginormous spirit that is guided by a divine hand.“