Chinese actor and singer Yu Menglong died on September 11 after falling from a fifth-floor building in Beijing’s Chaoyang district. The 37-year-old performer, known for his roles in popular series including “Go Princess Go” and “Eternal Love,” was pronounced dead at the scene.
Yu’s management team confirmed his death in a statement posted to Weibo on September 11. “With unbearable sorrow, we announce that our beloved Menglong fell to his death on Sept 11,” the statement read. Police have ruled out any criminal activity in connection with the incident, according to the official announcement.
The circumstances surrounding Yu’s death began to emerge through social media posts from Chinese entertainment bloggers. According to reports, Yu had been spending time with five to six friends at an apartment on the evening of September 10. Around 2 a.m. on September 11, he went to a bedroom and locked the door from the inside.
When his friends prepared to leave around 6 a.m., they could not locate Yu. A passerby walking their dog discovered his body in the building’s courtyard and contacted authorities. Police arrived at the scene and conducted their investigation, concluding their inquiry within 24 hours.
Born on June 15, 1988, in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Yu first gained recognition as a singer. He participated in talent reality shows including “My Show, My Style” and “Super Boy” in 2013, which launched his entertainment career. His transition to acting began in 2011 with the short film “The Little Prince.”
Yu’s acting portfolio included several notable Chinese productions. He starred in “Go Princess Go,” “The Legend of the White Snake,” “Love Game in Eastern Fantasy,” and “The Moon Brightens for You,” where he played the character Lin Fang. His most recent appearance was in the 2025 series “Feud.” The actor also worked as a music video director alongside his performing career.
His role in “Eternal Love,” also known as “Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms,” brought him international recognition through the series’ availability on Netflix. In this production, he portrayed Bai Zhen, the fourth brother of the main character Bai Qian. The series became popular among international audiences, expanding Yu’s fanbase beyond China.
Yu received recognition for his acting work, earning the breakthrough actor award at the 2019 Golden Bud Network Film and Television Festival for his performance in “The New Legend of the White Snake.” He also received the newcomer of the year award at the 2018 Television Series of China Quality Ceremony.
Following news of his death, fellow actors and celebrities posted tributes on social media platforms. Yang Mi, who worked with Yu on “Eternal Love,” posted a message referring to him as “Fourth Brother” and expressing wishes for his peace. Actress Dilraba Dilmurat remembered him as gentle and sincere, noting their professional interactions during filming and later encounters.
The news spread rapidly across Chinese social media, with Yu’s death becoming a trending topic on Weibo. International fans also shared tributes on various platforms, expressing shock at the sudden loss. A friend of Yu’s, contacted by Red Star News reporters, expressed surprise at the rumors and mentioned unsuccessful attempts to reach the actor by phone and messaging.
Despite the police ruling out criminal activity, some questions have emerged regarding the incident. Reports mentioned that a window screen in the room appeared to have been removed, and that Yu’s pockets contained two Rolex watches belonging to a friend. However, authorities maintain that their investigation found no evidence of foul play.
Yu’s death marks the loss of a rising talent in Chinese entertainment who had successfully transitioned from music to acting and gained international recognition through streaming platforms. His final projects continue to air, serving as a testament to his contributions to Chinese television and film.