Minghui Yu
Minghui Yu, GSAS '11 was a PhD student in the Department of Statistics.
On April 4, 2008, Minghui was waiting at a bus stop at 122nd and Broadway shortly before 9pm when two teenage thugs set upon him. He refused to give up his belongings, and the two attackers starting punching and kicking him. Minghui then attempted to flee his attackers, and ran out onto the street, at which point he was struck by a Jeep Cherokee.[1] He was taken to St. Luke's Hospital but passed away as a result of the severe head trauma he sustained.
The driver who struck Minghui stopped at the scene and gave assistance. No charges were filed against him.[2] An NYPD investigation is underway and is being supported by the Department of Public Safety. Apparently, images of the muggers were caught on several security cameras on buildings in the area.
Minghui's family (presumably in China) has been notified, and plans are being made to hold a "memorial event" on campus.
Before coming to Columbia, Minghui studied at USTC in China, in the Special Class for the Gifted Young.[3]
At Columbia, Minghui served on the 2007-2008 working committee of the CUCSSA. He was also a TA for the statistics department.
