Chinese actor and singer Yu Menglong, known professionally as Alan Yu, died on September 11 after falling from a fifth-floor building in Beijing. He was 37 years old.
Yu’s management team confirmed his death through a statement posted on Weibo, the Chinese social media platform. According to the statement: “With unbearable sorrow, we announce that our beloved Menglong fell to his death on Sept 11.”
Beijing police investigated the incident and ruled out any criminal activity, according to multiple reports. The actor’s body was discovered around 6 a.m. by a passerby walking their dog, who then contacted authorities. Yu had been staying at a friend’s apartment in the Chaoyang district of Beijing.
Details surrounding the events leading to Yu’s death emerged through Chinese entertainment blogger Detective Xiaoyan on Weibo. Reports indicated that Yu had been with five to six friends at the apartment on September 9 for a gathering. On the night of September 10, around 2 a.m., Yu went to a bedroom and locked the door from inside. When his friends prepared to leave several hours later, they were unable to locate him before discovering his body downstairs.
Born on June 15, 1988, in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Yu initially gained recognition as a singer. He competed in Chinese talent shows including “My Show” and “Happy Boys,” later participating in “Super Boy” in 2013. His entertainment career began as a singer before transitioning to acting in 2014 with his participation in the drama “The Loving Home.”
Yu became widely recognized for his roles in popular Chinese television series. He starred in “Go Princess Go” and gained international attention for his role as Bai Zhen, Bai Qian’s fourth brother, in the Netflix series “Eternal Love,” also known as “Three Lives Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms.” His other notable works included “Love Game in Eastern Fantasy,” “The Moon Brightens for You,” where he played Lin Fang, and “Feud,” which marked his final screen appearance in 2025.
Yu received recognition for his acting achievements, earning the breakthrough actor of the year award in 2019 at the Golden Bud Network Film and Television Festival for his work in “The New Legend of the White Snake.” He also received the 2018 Jury Award for newcomer of the year at the Television Series of China Quality Ceremony.
Following news of his death, several Chinese entertainment figures posted tributes on social media. Yang Mi, his co-star from “Eternal Love,” wrote on Weibo referring to him as “Fourth Brother” and expressing wishes for his peace in another world. Actress Dilireba also shared memories of Yu, describing him as gentle and sincere both in his screen role and during their subsequent meetings.
The news of Yu’s death spread rapidly across Chinese social media platforms and later reached international audiences through various entertainment news outlets. Fans expressed shock and sadness over the sudden loss, with many remembering his performances in the popular series that brought him international recognition.
International reports have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Yu’s death, with some sources noting unusual details from the scene. However, Beijing police concluded their investigation quickly and determined no criminal activity was involved in the incident.
Yu’s career spanned both music and television, making him a recognizable figure in Chinese entertainment. His work on “Eternal Love” particularly resonated with international audiences, contributing to the global popularity of Chinese drama series. The show’s availability on Netflix helped introduce Yu’s performances to viewers worldwide.
The entertainment industry in China operates under close government oversight, and Yu’s death has prompted discussions among international fans about transparency in such investigations. His management team’s statement emphasized their grief and requested privacy for his loved ones during this difficult time.
