Our University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television community is heartbroken over the loss of Josiah Santos, a senior theatre student whose creativity, humor, and warmth touched everyone around him. Josiah tragically lost his life in a crash near campus late last week. Two other University of Arizona students, Katya Castillo Mendoza and Sophia Troetel, Josiah’s beloved girlfriend, also passed away in this tragedy.
Josiah was an integral part of our TFTV family, bringing creativity, humor, and dedication to every project and performance. Recently, he played the role of Max in the musical Bright Star, and wrote the short play Can We Talk? featured in the 2025 edition of the New Directions Festival.
He was also a vital and central member of the Charles Darwin Experience, the comedic improvisational performance troupe here on campus. Drawing on his improv and devising talents, he was in the process of creating an original one-man show.
To honor their memory, the run of TFTV’s upcoming production of Love and Information will be dedicated to the memory of Josiah, Sophia and Katya.
Also, in honor of Josiah and at the kind suggestion of his mother Hope, TFTV will collect non-perishable food items in a Food Drive for the Campus Pantry. From November 10 through 21, collection bins will be available in the Theatre Main Office (Drama Building, Room 239) and the Film & Television Main Office (Marshall Building, Room 220). From November 16 through December 7, collection bins will be available in the Tornabene Theatre lobby during the run of Love and Information. Campus Pantry fights food insecurity on campus by offering free access to staple foods for all students, faculty, and staff at the University of Arizona.
Counseling & Psych Services (CAPS) counselors are available for any TFTV students who need support. CAPS is available 24/7 at 520-621-3334. Appointments can be scheduled online at caps.arizona.edu/counseling or drop in at one of the CAPS locations during business hours.
Let’s take care of ourselves and one another as we hold Josiah, Sophia and Katya in our hearts – today and always.