A Michigan community gathered for a vigil on April 18 to commemorate one month since semiconductor researcher Wang Danhao died by suicide at the University of Michigan, shortly after questioning by US federal agents. Organized by peace group Code Pink, about 30 attendees shared memories and called for answers amid ongoing scrutiny of the case.
About 30 people attended a vigil on Friday, April 18—exactly one month after Wang Danhao's death on March 19—organized by peace advocacy group Code Pink in Michigan. Participants formed a circle around an altar adorned with candles, flowers, incense, and the early-thirties scientist's portrait, sharing memories of his life, research contributions, and reactions to his tragic passing.
Bob McMurray, a University of Michigan graduate and Code Pink member, said he did not know Wang personally but the news felt like “a gut punch.” He emphasized to attendees that while there would be time to “seek answers,” the vigil focused on remembrance. “There is a mum and dad in China mourning the loss of their son,” he said. “There are people here in the university research community who feel his absence every day.”
Linda Wan, the vigil's organizer and McMurray's wife, noted that only a handful of Chinese nationals attended, some wearing masks due to nervousness about public appearances, but they were “very grateful we were doing this.” She described the gathering as “very empowering.”
Wang, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering since 2022, had studied at the University of Science and Technology of China and Southwest University of Science and Technology. He published in Nature Electronics and worked on semiconductors. China's embassy previously confirmed his suicide and called for a US investigation into the circumstances.