We are grieving and at a loss for words to describe the pain and sadness we are experiencing following the sudden passing of our dear daughter, Lingzi. She was the joy of our lives. She was a bright and wonderful child. We were thrilled to watch her grow into an intelligent and beautiful young woman. She was a positive role model for many others.
It has always been her dream to come to America to study. While she was here, she fell in love with Boston and its people. She loved her new friends and her professors at Boston University. She wanted to play a role in international business, specializing in applied mathematics. She has been studying very hard toward her goal. Sadly, it was not to be.
While her dream has not been realized, we want to encourage others who have Lingzi’s ambition and dreams, and want to make the world a better place, to continue moving forward.
We are grateful and thankful for the assistance we have received from the Chinese government, the U.S. State Department, Boston Police Department, Boston University, and so many others. Your kindness will always be in our thoughts and memories of how you reached out selflessly to us during the darkest hour of our lives. We understand the work of the media, too, and ask them to please respect our wish for privacy at this difficult time.
We are also humbled by the compassion, caring and love we have received from people all over the world. We wish to thank each of you for your prayers and for thinking of our daughter. Thank you for sharing your memories of her, your love for her, and your good wishes to our family.
Also, we wish to extend our thoughts, prayers and sympathy to the other victims of this tragedy and to their families.
We hope that everyone who knew Lingzi, and experienced the positive spirit and joy she had, will help carry on her spirit. We hope that everyone who has now heard about Lingzi will keep a memory of her in their hearts.
This statement was issued by the family of LU Lingzi, who was killed in the Boston Marathon bombings on April 15.
I am so sorry for your loss and for the pain you must endure. Our hearts are broken over this terrible event, but not as broken as yours over the loss of your wonderful daughter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
right in the feels. I never met Lingzi, but she seemed like a wonderful person with a flawless spirit. Rest in paradise dear, for you deserve an eternity of happiness and love.
Dearest Lu family, My heart goes out to you at what must be the most terrible and difficult time of your lives. Lingzi was living her dream at a wonderful school in a beautiful and historic, warm and welcoming city. Our daughter Jasmine is a sophomore at Boston University, and had left the area of the explosions about 45 minutes earlier in order to return to her dorm to work on a paper. She was hoarse from cheering on the runners with her friends at her very first Boston Marathon. She is still struggling to deal with this devastating tragedy. On her way back from class today, she heard many vehicles with sirens blaring nearby, and she told me that every passerby stopped in their tracks, wondering whether another terrible event had taken place. She called me in tears, struggling with post-traumatic anxiety. My precious daughter will get through this, but you have lost yours. Lingzi will always be remembered at Boston University and by the people of Boston, as an adventurous, intelligent, curious and lovely soul who enriched the lives of those she knew, and who will be an inspiration for my daughter, for our family, and for all Americans, always. Sending my deepest sympathy; may your daughter’s memory bring you comfort. Monica Shevell Plano, Texas
TJKCB 发表评论于
Promise and Potential, Cut Short
Friends, family, teachers mourn BU grad student LU Lingzi
04.18.2013 By Rich Barlow and Susan Seligson share it! 77
LU Lingzi, Boston University, Boston Marathon terrorist attack bombing victim
LU Lingzi (GRS’14), killed at the Boston Marathon, had a winning smile and a talent for statistics, friends and teachers recall. Photo courtesy of Menghan Hu (CAS’13, GRS’13)
Her life was filled with academic achievements and endless promise: the as-yet-unfound boyfriend she had longed for, the Christianity that intrigued her, the foods she enjoyed so much, photos of which she posted on Facebook, and the city that drew her for study.
Last October, LU Lingzi put pictures on Facebook under the heading “New Beginning in BU.” Alternately winsome (pursing her lips for a close-up), happy (smiling for the camera at a table, chin propped in her hand), or just grinning with friends or alone by a pond, her 23-year-old’s face appeared untouched by troubles or years.
“I love the Charles River at night!” she posted exuberantly a few days after that first photo batch. She also loved playing the online game Candy Crush with her friend Penchan Arunrerk (SED’13).
“I plan to stop the game from now on,” Arunrerk says. “I cannot imagine how her family would feel. I don’t know why this unlucky thing had to happen to her.”
LU Lingzi, Boston University
Friends describe LU as optimistic and hardworking. Photo courtesy of Menghan Hu (CAS’13, GRS’13)
That question touched off global grieving for LU (GRS’14), a graduate student in statistics, when she was identified as one of the three killed by blasts at the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday. Comments poured in to BU Today following the announcement of her death, and more than 100,000 users of Weibo, a Chinese version of Twitter, mourned her passing, the New Yorker reports.
In a statement provided to Boston University, LU’s family wrote, “We are grieving and at a loss for words to describe the pain and sadness we are experiencing following the sudden passing of our dear daughter, Lingzi. She was the joy of our lives.” The family expressed gratitude for the assistance they have received from the Chinese government, the U.S. State Department, the Boston Police Department, and Boston University. “We are humbled by the compassion, caring, and love we have received from people all over the world….We wish to extend our thoughts, prayers, and sympathy to the other victims of this tragedy and to their families.”
The New York Times writes that LU’s Chinese hometown newspaper darkened its website to honor a native “who passed away in a faraway place.”
Minhui Zheng recalls a classmate who tried to rise at 7 a.m. (“If she got up at 8, she’d say, ‘I got up late.’”) and would always save Zheng a seat in class. “She was like my speaker,” says Zheng (GRS’14). “She always speaks everything so I didn’t need to say anything. She started to call me Jing Jing, the name of her dog back home. She misses her dog so much.”
Menghan Hu calls LU her ballast on difficult days of study. “I was so stressed and worried, but she was so optimistic,” says Hu (CAS’13, GRS’13). She also had a sweet tooth. “She always talked about ice cream,” Hu says. “She could eat a jar by herself. She loved green tea and all the Ben & Jerry’s flavors.”
LU was known for her unrelenting work ethic both in and out of the classroom. Originally from Shenyang, which is described by the Times as “a rust-belt hometown” in China, LU studied international trade at the Beijing Institute of Technology. She came to BU to pursue statistics, where she excelled in her classes, says Tasso Kaper, a College of Arts & Sciences professor and chair of mathematics and statistics. The day before the Marathon, LU learned that she had passed the first part of the master’s comprehensive examination in statistics. An email from her showed that “she was clearly quite pleased,” says Kaper.
LU Lingzi memorial, Marsh Plaza, Boston Marathon bombing terrorist attack victim
Meihua Lai (CAS’16) (left) and Shuang Hao (COM’16) place flowers at an impromptu memorial for LU Lingzi (GRS’14) at the base of the Free at Last sculpture in Marsh Plaza on Wednesday. Hao says she felt moved by a recent post on LU's Facebook page, which read, “If I graduate from here successfully, I will get a good job. If I don’t, I’ll have a brave soul.” Photo by Cydney Scott
She also played the piano, says Youming Liu (GRS’14). “She took piano class here, even though she took four courses.”
“Clearly, LU Lingzi was in the full glory of an extremely successful year as an MA student, with an extremely bright future ahead of her,” says Kaper. “For us, it is a great personal and professional tragedy to learn that such a bright and energetic young scientist has died. To make matters worse, she had many friends in our department, in actuarial science, and in other departments.”
Among the outpourings on Weibo, the Times reports one that poignantly captured the human evil that cut short her life:
“You are in heaven now, where there are no bombs.”
There will be a gathering to help those who need support and further discussion on Thursday, April 18, at 7 p.m. in the Burke Room of Agganis Arena. Representatives from Marsh Chapel and staff from Student Health Services Behavioral Medicine, the Dean of Students Office, and the International Students & Scholars Office will be on hand to talk to students.
Donations to a BU memorial scholarship in LU’s name can be made here.
Editors’ Note: The capitalization of all letters of a name, such as LU, is a convention used in many countries to indicate that it is a family name.
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Rich Barlow
Rich Barlow can be reached at barlowr@bu.edu.
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77 Comments on Promise and Potential, Cut Short
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Ashley on 04.18.2013 at 12:36 am
My condolences to the family and friends of this wonderful young woman. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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hokachuu on 04.18.2013 at 1:05 am
God bless you!!
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chao on 04.18.2013 at 1:39 am
May her rest in peace. We will all miss you.
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Hans Qiang on 04.18.2013 at 5:18 am
My deepest condolenced to her family and friends in China. Also, these go to other victims of this tragic event. Like people say, there are no bombs in the heaven. May you rest in the paradise.
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TIAN Tian on 04.18.2013 at 5:38 am
I just cannot understand even a little bit why this happened to innocent people and city. Sincere condolences to the victims including the poor Chinese girl as well as to the injured. I believe such hideous action will not defeat people’s will neither the community spirit.
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MS. WASHINGTON on 04.18.2013 at 7:13 am
Though I will never get to meet you, the story of your life is inspiring! May the grace of God be with your family during this horrible time. Another promising life snuffed out by evil.
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Johnson on 04.18.2013 at 10:42 am
Dear lv, Peace be with you in heaven! I will hold your family and friends in my thoughts and prayers.
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bu parent on 04.18.2013 at 7:36 am
What a sweetheart! What a tragic loss! My condolences and heartfelt prayers go out to family and friends.
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Kevin on 04.18.2013 at 7:46 am
This news makes me want to cry!! RIP!
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Richard on 04.18.2013 at 8:16 am
RIP. This girl was clearly going to be a huge success. May they bring the one who cut this beautiful life short, to justice. My deepest condolences to her friends and family.
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CancunSteve on 04.18.2013 at 8:29 pm
Amen. This lovely child is in heaven. May the responsible coward fry in hell.
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Linlin on 04.18.2013 at 8:22 am
A beautiful life lost in such tragic way. May the Lord give peace to her family and friends.
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Catherine on 04.18.2013 at 8:42 am
Words cannot express the sorrow and pain I feel for all of the victims of this tragedy. We are thinking of you. “Don’t be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again,after moments or lifetimes,is certain for those who are friends”- Bach.
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Dr. Paula Quatromoni on 04.18.2013 at 8:50 am
Such a tragic loss for a loving family and for the University that was supporting this young woman to realize her dreams in life. May God be with her family at this most difficult time of grief, and may He welcome her with eternal blessings and peace.
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Tony on 04.18.2013 at 8:53 am
May her peace in the heaven.
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liujinhu on 04.18.2013 at 8:59 am
wish God bless her.
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Deb on 04.18.2013 at 8:59 am
From one university to another, our hearts go out to her family, friends and the entire Boston University community. Our deepest sympathy and prayers for your healing.
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fellow student on 04.18.2013 at 9:01 am
To all the friends of Lingzi: BU and Boston are here for you. If you want to talk about this, or if you just want to spend time with someone, please ask. This is a sad, sad event for all of us, and we want you all to know that we are here for one another and we want to help. Thank you.
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meredear @ BU on 04.18.2013 at 9:05 am
May you rest in peace Lingzi. You will always be in our memories and hopefully will be an inspiration for us to go after our dreams– the way you seem to have done in yours. May your family and friends find the strength to embrace peace and life after dealing with such a tragedy.
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Ace on 04.18.2013 at 9:35 am
Rest in peace and god bless her family
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Kanabar on 04.18.2013 at 9:48 am
Lingzi – Rest in Peace. From what we read and hear she had a short stay here on Earth (and especially Boston) but appears to have lived a good life that communicates “no regrets”.
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Eric on 04.18.2013 at 9:52 am
Such a sweet and brilliant girl. This is so sad. Pray for her family.
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Diane and Raphael Constantino on 04.18.2013 at 9:52 am
As BU professors and parents ourselves, we are deeply affect by the loss of Lu. May her parents, family and friends know that she is being honored by all of us here at BU.
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Mary on 04.18.2013 at 9:54 am
My sorrow and condolences go out to Lingzi’s family and friends.
I can not imagine how hard this must be- I wish you strength to get through this.
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H Yuan on 04.18.2013 at 10:06 am
In this heartbreaking moment, my prayers go out to Lingzi and her family and all the families and friends who lost their loved one in this killing. She was such a beautiful and intelligent girl. May the graces of God be with Lingzi’s family always.
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yan on 04.18.2013 at 10:06 am
I always take a glimpse from my window to see the warm-colored lamp in your room and I know when there is a shadow on the window-shades I know that you are sitting at the desk I set with your uncle when you moved in, when the light is off you may sit in your bed with an iPad with you refreshing the page on Weibo before sleep. You wake every morning, roll up the window-shades, face the window where you put a mirror and make up yourself.
I always wave to you when I see you through that window but I didn’t realize that friday is the last time we greet each other at such a familiar spot.
You told me you will take the Stats Theory qualifying exam this Saturday and then you can enjoy your life in U.S. next semester since there is only 1 course left before graduation. You said the winter here is too long and spring finally comes. You said you finally can plan to travel somewhere. You said you won’t go back to china and want me to help you find a part-time job on campus to cover the living expenses here. You said we can prepare our 582 final together…
RIP, Lingzi, I pray for you.
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Jack on 04.18.2013 at 12:49 pm
Such vivid description….. She seemed to be alive again. Thank you Yan!
RIP Lingzi!
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BU '13 on 04.18.2013 at 10:07 am
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
-Laurence Binyon
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seanj on 04.18.2013 at 10:09 am
Awful, respects to her and her family.
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Cara on 04.18.2013 at 10:11 am
May her rest in peace. Can’t imagine how her parents would feel. This is a hard time for all. Lets be strong.
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Mike on 04.18.2013 at 10:37 am
She sounds like an amazing person. This is everyone’s loss.
Thank you for posting photos of her. It puts a face to her name.
God Bless her.
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Steven on 04.18.2013 at 10:37 am
God bless you, you are not alone. R.I.P
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Cynthia Kowal on 04.18.2013 at 10:45 am
A short but full message of deeply felt condolence to the family and friends of Lu Lingzi.
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Sandra Tavegia MS,CIS '07 on 04.18.2013 at 10:47 am
To the parents of such a beautiful young woman – thank you for being such wonderful parents. My prayers are with you.
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Kevin Xu on 04.18.2013 at 10:53 am
Wish God Bless Her With Peace In The Paradise!
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Diane and Raphael Constantino on 04.18.2013 at 10:55 am
As professors and parents ourselves, we are deeply saddened by the loss of Lu. May her parents, family, and friends know that she is being honored by all of us here at BU. Our thanks to Rich Barlow for presenting her beauty to us in this article.
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Lisa Jazwell on 04.18.2013 at 10:58 am
God bless you and all the victims.
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Sophomore on 04.18.2013 at 11:02 am
My deepest condolences. We should all try to learn not to take anything for granted and that every day is a blessing.
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Nimisha on 04.18.2013 at 11:03 am
May your soul Rest in Peace Lingzi. I pray for all the victims to get justice.
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John T. Kelley on 04.18.2013 at 11:08 am
Her ” journey of a thousand miles” has ended. May she walk in the shadow of the Lord. Pax vobiscum. CAS ’66.
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MiaT on 04.18.2013 at 11:25 am
My heart aches for her family and loved ones… I pray that someday they may find peace and solace for what’s happened. I pray that their hearts will not harden and to focus on what she has brought into this world. I pray for love and peace so that this type of senseless tragedy is not what we wake up to every morning. I pray. I pray.
Rest in peace, my dear child of God.
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CeCe on 04.18.2013 at 11:48 am
Grieving for everyone who knew Lu and praying for her family during this terrible time.
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yyhe on 04.18.2013 at 12:22 pm
安息
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Jack on 04.18.2013 at 12:36 pm
Rest in peace.
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SW on 04.18.2013 at 12:36 pm
Writing this in Dresden. RIP.
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Sheng on 04.18.2013 at 12:46 pm
Never meet you, maybe brush past you. R.I.P.
从未相见，但或擦肩。 R.I.P.
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Sky Yang on 04.18.2013 at 12:48 pm
Lingzi’s life will be honored and remembered. My deepest condolences to the Lu family. Keeping you in my prayers.
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大麻 on 04.18.2013 at 12:56 pm
香消玉殒
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Melissa Shenian on 04.18.2013 at 1:07 pm
I’m so sorry for the loss of this wonderful ray of sunshine. My condolences to family and friends.
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S on 04.18.2013 at 1:15 pm
RIP
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Hao on 04.18.2013 at 1:16 pm
I will pray for you and your family. God bless you!
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Andrea on 04.18.2013 at 1:19 pm
my heart goes out to Lu and her family. We will keep her and her family in our thoughts.
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Lesley on 04.18.2013 at 1:55 pm
I wish I had a chance to meet Lingzi before the tragic incident took her away. RIP
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Matt on 04.18.2013 at 2:01 pm
What a beautiful message.
In memory of Lingzi. Rest in peace.
Her body might perish in space, but her spirit will remain in time!
I’m so sad for your loss. The Boston University community shares in your mourning.
I am so sorry for your loss and for the pain you must endure. Our hearts are broken over this terrible event, but not as broken as yours over the loss of your wonderful daughter.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
right in the feels. I never met Lingzi, but she seemed like a wonderful person with a flawless spirit. Rest in paradise dear, for you deserve an eternity of happiness and love.
R.I.P Lingzi！
This is such a lovely and dignified statement. Thank you for telling us about your special darling daughter. My heart aches with yours.
Bless them. :(
Dearest Lu family,
My heart goes out to you at what must be the most terrible and difficult time of your lives. Lingzi was living her dream at a wonderful school in a beautiful and historic, warm and welcoming city. Our daughter Jasmine is a sophomore at Boston University, and had left the area of the explosions about 45 minutes earlier in order to return to her dorm to work on a paper. She was hoarse from cheering on the runners with her friends at her very first Boston Marathon. She is still struggling to deal with this devastating tragedy. On her way back from class today, she heard many vehicles with sirens blaring nearby, and she told me that every passerby stopped in their tracks, wondering whether another terrible event had taken place. She called me in tears, struggling with post-traumatic anxiety. My precious daughter will get through this, but you have lost yours. Lingzi will always be remembered at Boston University and by the people of Boston, as an adventurous, intelligent, curious and lovely soul who enriched the lives of those she knew, and who will be an inspiration for my daughter, for our family, and for all Americans, always. Sending my deepest sympathy; may your daughter’s memory bring you comfort.
Monica Shevell
Plano, Texas