Celebrity Justice
Suicide Victim on Mel's Property in Movie Biz

TMZ has learned the man who committed suicide on Mel Gibson's property was a construction foreman on a number of movie sets, including "The Matrix Reloaded," and "Dr. Dolittle 2," "Star Trek: Nemesis," and "Karate Kid II."

We're told the victim is Michael John Van Dyke. Van Dyke was 48-years-old, and was listed as a prop foreman for the remake of "Psycho."

Sources say Van Dyke was a long-time friend of the contractor hired on Gibson's property and was going through financial troubles. He had no connection to Gibson.

We've learned Michael went through a messy, protracted divorce a few years ago. People who worked with him on the "Star Trek: Nemesis" set say he was in desperate financial shape. His ex-wife is a hair stylist for movies.

Van Dyke had a twin brother, Robert, who also works construction in the film business.



Filed under: Celebrity Justice, Mel Gibson

Reader Comments

(Page 2 of 5)Previous 15 Comments | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

16. Mel just announced that he will be holding a special church service for the dead man at Mel's private religious compound.

Posted at 2:32PM on Mar 20th 2008 by Rico

17. HOW DESPARATE THIS POOR MAN MUST HAVE BEEN TO KILL HIMSELF IF I WERE MEL I WOULD HAVE GIVEN HIM HELP TO GET OUT OF HIS FINANCIAL WOES...WHAT A SHAME

Posted at 2:36PM on Mar 20th 2008 by nuff_said

18. That is a sad case though. There is a whole lot of people who's faces are nto put their names in the mive buisness. I guess what goes on behind the scenes isn't has told nearly as much, except when award season coems around. And durign the Oscar's, Emmy's, SAG's,a dn Grammy's. Is when they get in the spotlight. Sad case though, thougths and prayers with the family.

Posted at 2:37PM on Mar 20th 2008 by GEB

19. Last.

Posted at 2:40PM on Mar 20th 2008 by Meth Does It

20. he killed himself after Mel refused to loan him $500

Posted at 2:46PM on Mar 20th 2008 by Rico

21. meanwhile, Tom Cruise goes on living. Where is the justice?

Posted at 2:47PM on Mar 20th 2008 by Rico

22. Mel is drunk in that photo, definitely.

Posted at 2:50PM on Mar 20th 2008 by Rico

23. OMG....how insensitive! "..he was on the ropes after a messy divorce" the poor bastid HANGED HIMSELF...that's just wrong!

Posted at 2:50PM on Mar 20th 2008 by TrishaCuse

24. Mel is a fun, and funny drunk. He would be fun to drink with.

Posted at 2:51PM on Mar 20th 2008 by Rico

25. He was definately "desperate and ON THE ROPES"

I am sorry, I have no sympathy for suiciders (is that a word?) ....... You know you can get help somewhere,if you think you are that meaningless in society than you will more than likely not be productive in society. We have enough non-producters (is that a word?)..in society today....the lazy, the criminals, the cheaters, the abusing welfare people the....should i go on???

Posted at 3:01PM on Mar 20th 2008 by going to get crusified for my comment....

26. i heard that all of Mel's kids are drunks and drug addicts

Posted at 3:04PM on Mar 20th 2008 by Rico

27. He's no victim. Suicide is an aggressive and selfish act. The victims are those who are left to deal with the mess suicide leaves behind; (his parents, grandparents, siblings,kids, friends, coworkers and even bystander Mel himself) who suffer as a result of his actions.

Posted at 3:31PM on Mar 20th 2008 by Queen of Common Sense

28. Illegal! OhCrap, now on top of killing himself, he now faces jail. LIFES A BITCH!

Posted at 4:24PM on Mar 20th 2008 by OhCrap

29. File for bankrupcy. Nobody should commit suicide over money.

Posted at 4:30PM on Mar 20th 2008 by Alexa

30. The financial mess going on in todays world is enough to make anybody lose it
you can only take so much before you give up. Sorry it was at Mels place though

Posted at 4:35PM on Mar 20th 2008 by TTUO2

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