Family of Chinese student killed during filming sues University of Southern California
- Cinematographer Peng Wang died after the vehicle he was in rolled over during a desert shoot
- His parents are seeking unspecified damages in the wrongful-death lawsuit filed against USC and two of its students
The family of a cinematographer killed on a University of Southern California student film shoot in April has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the prestigious school and two of its students.
The parents of Peng Wang, a Chapman University student who died after the off-road vehicle he was in rolled while traversing the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, alleged the university had sanctioned the project and knew that the team would be using off-road vehicles and shooting in the desert, according to a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Monday.
The family is seeking unspecified damages. A representative did not respond to requests for comment.
USC officials previously suggested that the students had gone rogue in making the short film Finale, saying they were unaware approvals were needed to use off-road vehicles and shoot in a remote expanse of desert that is three hours and more than 370km (230 miles) from the USC campus.
“USC was not responsible for Mr Wang’s tragic death. We will be sharing the facts about our robust safety procedures and safety record in court,” USC said in an emailed statement Tuesday.