37-year-old actor Yu Menglong, known as a “historical drama heartthrob,” passed away on September 11, sending shockwaves through Chinese entertainment. Rumors quickly circulated online, with speculation ranging from foul play to suicide under pressure. Although Yu’s studio, on behalf of his mother, stated that he had died after falling from a height while intoxicated, suspicions of foul play continued to spread.
On September 21, Chaoyang District police in Beijing released an official statement clarifying that Yu’s death was accidental. Investigators confirmed that the actor, after drinking, accidentally fell from a high place, leading to his death. On-site inspections, forensic autopsy results, witness testimony, and surrounding surveillance footage all ruled out criminal involvement. His family was informed of the findings and raised no objections, confirming it was an unintended fall.
Authorities explained that details of Yu’s case were initially withheld to protect his privacy and were only disclosed to immediate family, as per legal procedure. However, opportunistic individuals exploited the lack of public information by spreading sensationalized and fabricated rumors to gain online traction.
Chaoyang police emphasized that all claims—including allegations of abuse, deliberate assault, or threats against Yu’s mother—were entirely false. Three individuals were summoned and punished according to law for disseminating false information that seriously disrupted public order. Among them: Ms. Zheng, 40, who fabricated stories about Yu being trapped and assaulted before taking his life; Ms. Yuan, 29, who spread gruesome false claims online for attention, including mutilation and staged killings; and Ms. Xu, 41, who invented rumors about destroyed surveillance footage and powerful figures controlling Yu’s mother. All three admitted wrongdoing.
Yu Menglong’s funeral was held privately by his family. With the official statement from authorities, the truth of his untimely death has now been clarified. Many netizens expressed hope that the public will refrain from further speculation, so as not to tarnish Yu’s memory or cause additional pain to his grieving family.
Sources: K14
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