The University of Utah was asked to release this statement on behalf of ChenWei Guo’s family. ChenWei was a U student whose life was taken in a senseless act of violence earlier this week.

“We are devastated by the loss of our son ChenWei, who brought immense joy into our lives and the lives of all who knew him. It is hard to capture in words his happy, positive outlook on life. ChenWei aspired to work in the future helping others to feel better about themselves. He was outgoing, adventurous, highly intellectual and a deeply faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was thankful to be able to share his testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ with many as a missionary in Provo.

We are grateful for the experiences ChenWei had in Utah and at the University of Utah. We are very moved by the outpouring of support and sympathy we have received from so many of his friends and even from those who did not know ChenWei personally. These expressions of remembrance and condolence have given us comfort.

We know many are interested in ChenWei’s story, but we respectfully ask for privacy at this time as we grieve our beloved son.”