GSU professor dies during study in Guatemala

Three of six Georgia State University students who were on a study abroad trip to Guatemala when their communications professor died unexpectedly this week will continue studying in Central America through the end of the course.

The other three students opted to return home early following the death of associate professor Mark Alleyne.

Georgia State University associate professor Mark Alleyne

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Funeral arrangements are pending for Alleyne, who was overseeing a Spanish language immersion course for the six GSU students in Guatemala City when he fell ill with symptoms of pneumonia.

Alleyne, 47, was admitted into a hospital on May 17; he seemed to be making a full recovery when he died suddenly Wednesday from cardiac arrest, according to a letter GSU Department of Communications Chair Dr. David Cheshier sent to students today.

Alleyne has taught at GSU since 2005. Originally from Barbados, Alleyne was a Rhodes Scholar, received his master’s and doctorate degrees from Oxford University and had worked as a broadcaster for the BBC World Service in London, according to his biography on GSU’s Web site.

GSU spokeswoman Andrea Jones said Friday that the six students enrolled in Alleyne’s study abroad course range in age from 21 to 65.

Three of those students have decided to stay in Guatemala until the scheduled end of the session next week, while the other three opted to return to the United States early, Jones said.

Staff writer Mike Morris contributed to this article.