A Chapman University cinematography student working on a project with students from USC died when the off-highway vehicle they were in rolled down the side of a sand dune in Imperial County last week.

The person who died in the community of Glamis was from Walnut and a cinematographer on a production with three students from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, the school’s dean, Elizabeth Daley, wrote in a statement. The four of them were in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area to work on the project Friday, April 15, when the Can-Am Maverick UTV they were traveling in tumbled over, California Highway Patrol Officer Arturo Platero said.

“Chapman University is working with the family of the deceased student,” Daley wrote. “Our deepest sympathy is with the family members of the deceased student on this tragic loss. We also send condolences to the Chapman University community.”

The identity of the Chapman student, a passenger in the vehicle, was not immediately released.

He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, Platero said. The three others who were with him were buckled in, and did not suffer any serious injuries.

“On the dunes the sand can shift, especially when the wind is blowing,” Platero said. “And if you have any type of rollover and aren’t wearing a seatbelt, it’s not going to be a good outcome.”

There was no immediate indication that speed, alcohol or drugs were a factor in the rollover, Platero said.

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