Crowds mourn national icon

Teachers and students at Beihang University hosted an on-campus commemoration of Luo Yang, chief designer of the country's first carrier-based fighter jet, on Thursday in reaction to the loss of the alumnus.

Luo, who led the research of the J-15 fighter jet, died of a heart attack on Sunday after observing the flight landing test on the Liaoning, China's first aircraft carrier. He was 51.

People pay their respects to Luo Yang, general director of the J-15 fighter jet research team, at his memorial service in Shenyang, Liaoning province, on Thursday. Yi Runqian / for China Daily

Luo studied aircraft design at Beihang University as an undergraduate from 1978 to 1982 and as a master's student from 1987 to 1990.

At 10 am on Thursday, the same time that Luo's memorial service was held in Shenyang, in Northeast China's Liao-ning province, teachers and students at Beihang University gathered in front of the school's dining hall, laying wreaths and writing their thoughts about their alumnus in guest books.

A white board with Luo's portrait was set up in front of the hall, with wreaths standing around.

More than 1,000 teachers and students stood in front of the board, holding chrysanthemums and bowing to express their admiration and grief.

Wang Xili (center) takes part in her husband Luo Yang's memorial service in Shenyang on Thursday. Li Gang / Xinhua

Luo's teachers and classmates took part in the ceremony, recalling the old days they spent with him.

"He was an easy-going person, low-key, but very hard-working and responsible," said Zhao Tingdi, Luo's roommate in graduate school.

"Over all these years, he did not change at all. The character he showed at school signaled his future achievement and commitment to national defense. I'm not surprised at all to see what he achieved. He deserved these things."

Ouyang Jingyu, a junior at Beihang University, said he has been greatly motivated by Luo.

"Although I know that working in the aircraft industry means a heavy workload and tough challenges, I am still prepared," Ouyang said.

Li Zhaojian, who was Luo's roommate at Beihang University, told the Beijing Youth Daily that Luo was warm-hearted and friendly.

He once took care of a sick classmate whose parents did not have the money to make the long trip to Beijing, Li said.

The school has built an online memorial museum for Luo. More than 200,000 netizens have left comments on the website.