Derek Lake, best known in the fan film community for his feature-length fan film To Know a Jedi, lost his life yesterday morning in a bicycle accident.

From the New York Times:

The victim, Derek Lake, 23, a graduate of the School of Visual Arts who had recently finished directing his first feature, was declared dead at the scene after he was crushed beneath the wheels of a tractor-trailer going west, as it edged alongside a construction site that had narrowed the busy roadway from three lanes to one.

We at FanFilms.com extend our sincerest condolences to Derek's friends and family. We hope that they have the strength and support from their communities, and each other, to get through this difficult time.

For those in the New York area, a Memorial Ride will be held tomorrow, in memory of Derek and other cyclists killed in June.

MEMORIAL RIDE
Thursday, June 29, 6:30 p.m.
West Side Greenway at 42nd Street (in front of the Intrepid)

UPDATE:

Derek's family has created a scholarship fund for fine arts on behalf of Derek Lake at his former high school.

Checks can be mailed to: The Derek Lake Memorial Scholarship Fund, Chemung Canal Trust Company, PO Box 1522, Elmira, NY 14902, Attn: Rick Carr

Derek's most recent short film "Sans Pertinence" was just accepted into HollyShorts, Short Film Festival 2006. This year's festival takes place August 11-13 in Hollywood. Should you have any questions, please email staff@hollyshorts.com. The trailer can be seen at Derek's website, Derek Lake Films, or on You Tube.

A ghost bike will be placed on W. Houston Thursday night in memory of Derek.