Mend evolved from the real life suicide of J.R. Marks, a young man who relocated to New York in hopes of starting a new life. After a year of struggling to find work in the city, he moved back to his hometown in Virginia Beach. Years of depression, repressed emotions, and financial stress culminated into a night of heavy drinking. He ended his life on April 15, 2004.
Four months into production, another tragedy occurred. On December 29, 2004, Chris Alexander, a close friend and artistic collaborator died in a violent murder/suicide. He was only 19 years old. As the intensity of the scenes progressed, the bonds and camaraderie between the cast and crew did as well.