Graduate student from S'pore killed in Yale theatre accident
Tue, Nov 20, 2007
The Straits Times
A SECOND-YEAR graduate student at the Yale University, who had earlier studied in Singapore, was killed on Sunday morning while unloading theatrical sets for an upcoming production from a truck outside a theatre in New Haven, Connecticut.
Pierre-Andre Salim, 26, was killed as he and several students were loosening a stack of wooden boards strapped inside the truck, according to newspapers in New Haven, where the Ivy League university is.
The heavy sheets of particle board came loose suddenly and crashed on to Salim's head, The Hartford Courant quoted Mr Robert Kowalski, area director for the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, as saying.
The accident happened at about 9.30 am. Salim was pronounced dead at Yale-New Haven Hospital shortly later.
A medical examiner on Monday said he died of massive head injuries.
A student at the Yale School of Drama, Salim was studying stage production and technical design and was due to receive his Master's degree in 2009.
He was originally from Indonesia and majored in computer science at the National University of Singapore. He was also active in the local theatre scene here and was involved with the Technical Theatre Association of Singapore.
New Haven police are classifying his death as an accident.
Salim was helping to prepare for the Yale Repertory Theatre's production of Moliere's Tartuffe, which was set to open on Nov 26 but has been pushed back a week to Dec 3.
On Sunday, the Dean of the drama school and members gathered to mourn Salim's death and to lend support to one another.
Many of his friends also posted condolence messages on Friendster.
One posting from 'Pickers' said: 'Pierre, you were one of the most interesting, nicest people I've ever met. You were so passionate about the hall, your work, your life. Above all, you were a good person and a good friend. I feel blessed to have known you and will always cherish the memories of our friendship.'
Another friend, Joanne, wrote: 'I cannot believe this ... No way.'
Yvonne, who also said 'I really can't believe this is true', described Salim as 'ever so polite and nice'.
A member of Salim's family is on the way to New Haven.
