Sad news from Dean Mary Schmidt Campbell:

With great sorrow, I wish to inform you of the death of John Lamensdorf, Class of 2009. John died Thursday night in a tragic accident while working on a student film project in Georgia Half baked download. The accident is currently under investigation by local authorities. Another Tisch student is receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the accident. The School has dispatched a team of faculty and staff members to Georgia to help the other students involved in the project to return home.

John Lamensdorf received his BFA in film and television earlier this month, after submitting a superb advanced narrative film. He was widely known among members of our community for his searching intelligence, artistic integrity, and deep capacity for friendship. Our hearts go out in sympathy to John’s family and friends. When information about a funeral or a memorial service becomes available, I will share it with you.

In them meantime, I want to remind everyone that if you are feeling vulnerable, or would simply like to talk about your feelings, you may call the University’s Wellness Exchange at 212-443-9999 on a round-the-clock basis

Anyone with more information about the investigation contact: tips@nyulocal.com

Update:

Authorities said the NYU crew ran electrical wiring around a house to light a night shoot with a power generator Thursday night, when a mechanical arm lift on a truck parked across the road struck overhead electrical lines. Jasper County sheriff’s Lt. Jerry Robinson said Saturday that sent a charge through the wires the crew was working with, shocking one student who was airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.

Via Associated Press Georgia.