Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Mengyao Zhou Obituary
``We found some things in the car that were consistent with suicide,'' said Santa Rosa police Sgt. Lisa Banayat. ``We did not find anything consistent with foul play.''
``We don't know what in her life led her to this,'' Banayat added.
Responding to the police statement, Zhou's father Vitong said: ``It's hard to know. I can't think or talk now.''
Mengyao Zhou's car, a silver Toyota Corolla, was found parked on the campus of Santa Rosa Junior College, according to Santa Rosa police. The car was not damaged.
At 3:30 a.m. this morning, a Santa Rosa Junior College police officer noticed the car in a parking lot, police said. It looked like it had been there several days. Santa Rosa police said the campus officer ran the license plate numbers and saw it was that of a missing person.
The car was towed and in the process of gathering evidence, a body was found in the trunk, police said. It was Zhou, a 23-year-old student who was last seen 10:30 a.m. Saturday leaving her Stanford residence to go shopping.
A Sonoma County coroner's spokesman, Sgt. Mitch Mana, said an autopsy is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday.
Although police identified Zhou's body, Mana said a positive identification had not yet been made and coroner's officials have not contacted Zhou's family.
Yitong Zhou, a software engineer for a Santa Ana-based company, on Wednesday posted a $25,000 reward for the information leading to his daughter's whereabouts.
``We're very worried. We don't understand,'' he said on Wednesday. ``We just want our daughter back.''
He also said his daughter was not anxious about school and enjoyed Stanford, and that she had just passed rigorous qualifying examinations.
``Stress is not an issue,'' the elder Zhou had said.
A police dog tracked May Zhou's scent to the parking lot where she normally parked her car -- but the scent ended at the street outside the lot, Stanford police deputy Ken Bates said.
Bates said investigators had little to go on in their search.
``It's like everything just stopped,'' Bates said. ``We've looked at e-mail, cell phone records, financial records -- everything you would need. The paper trail ended.
Mengyao Zhou, an accomplished student with bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is assertive, happy and confident with her studies at Stanford, said her father. The Ph.D. candidate came to Stanford in 2004. She tutored in engineering at MIT and was an active member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, whose members support each other through some of MIT's most rigorous course work.
At Stanford, Zhou in 2005 was a recipient of the prestigious Gabilan Fellowship, which funds research by top doctoral students in engineering, biomedicine, the physical sciences, and the quantitative social sciences.
Zhou was a National Merit Scholar at La Jolla High School and earned perfect SAT scores. She had a straight-A average throughout high school and earned the top score on all of her Advanced Placement tests.
Fellow grad student Yuki Konda, who was one of her partners on a computer vision project, said: ``I don't know her outside of the classroom context, but she was a hard worker. She was Type A, always trying to push us forward.''
183 Entries
sadmom khan
May 8, 2011
I don't know you May, but as a mother, I felt deep sorrow for what happened to you. My daughter is inspired by your accomplishments. You are a hero!
Jasmine
December 19, 2007
I didn't know May personally, but we went to the same middle school and I had friends who knew her. The first and only time I saw her was at awards night in seventh grade. It is so shocking to read of her death. May she rest in peace. I will keep her family in my thoughts and prayers.
Wilson T
April 6, 2007
I am sadden by the loss of such a intelligent,lovely, pleasant lady. I hope that May's family can overcome this tragic event. Although I do not know May personally, I think I can sympathesize with the persons involved. Whatever the story, I just wish that May can rest in peace and the family can overcome this.
Jon B
February 17, 2007
I'm very sorry for this loss... My prayers go out to you.
How you can show support
Y Z
February 17, 2007
My deepest condolence!
Karen Wheat
February 16, 2007
When someone kills themselves, we all wonder why. Here is what we need to know, the "why" is the same as the "why" for any other disease. Depression is a disease just like cancer. There is no "why". It is simply a tragedy and an illness that causes suicide. No one is to blame because their is no one at fault.
Thomas Gordon
February 14, 2007
It is always tragic when someone's life has ended. This case especially breaks my heart. She was so young, beautiful and had a very promising future.
TM
February 14, 2007
I pray daily that your spirit is at peace and that you will someday be reunited with your loved ones in a heavenly afterlife of eternal love and kindness.
P T
February 8, 2007
I’m deeply regretted for your loss. Please allow yourselves to grief, but by end of the day, please be happy for Mengyao. It seemed that Mengyao had lived a very fulfilled life of love and dreams. You’ve lost a child and our society has lost a role model. We pray for you and may Mengyao rest in peace.
Luz Navarrette
February 7, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you
and your family. May's beautiful smile shines upon us from a place of peace and love. Know that her love will always be with you.
Luz Navarrette
February 7, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May is smiling
upon us from a place of peace and love. Know that her love will always be with you.
Gar J. Chan
February 6, 2007
Although days have passed since news of this tragic event, I find myself pondering as many before me, what a wonderful person May must have been. My thoughts remain with you and your family.
heiman gao
February 6, 2007
I've been heartaching for Mengyao Zhou. My sorrow is unspeakable.
Wish Mengyao rest in Heavenly peace.
May God save Mengyao's family from anguish of grief...
Mary Garcia
February 5, 2007
I send my condolences to this childs parents. Peace be with everyone now and always. May she rest in Gods care and sleep with the angels.
G Wu
February 5, 2007
To May's family,
As a Christian, I believe that our life on earth is but a brief moment. I don't understand why this happened, but I believe that May's soul lives on- the vibrant young girl that you know is not gone forever.
I am praying for you
C. Hoang
February 5, 2007
May May rest in peace.
For May's family: I pray for all of you.
For May's father: Sometimes we cannot understand totally each event happening around us. However we understand that you gave your best for May: Your wisdom, your guidance, your help, your hope ... May was a sweet fruit in this world and maybe God wants to pick this first.
I haven't got a chance to know any of your family's member but as a father I feel your pain. I wish I could be there to say that A GREAT GIRL WAS BORN AND RAISED FROM YOU.
You did a good job as a father.
XiangHua Zhou
February 4, 2007
Yitong,
It's both shocking and sad to learn this tragic news. My deepest condolences are with you and your family. Please take care.
Your friend from ECNU
Anita
February 1, 2007
It is a lot of efforts to bring up a wonderful girl like Mengyao. I feel very sorry for the loss of the parents. My heart goes out to you and your family at this time and in the days ahead
A. E. Duval
February 1, 2007
I did not know Mengyao Zhou yet there are no words to express the sadness I feel concerning the inexplicable loss of such a beautiful and gifted young woman. May time heal the hearts of her family and loved ones. May they find solace in knowing that our Great Creator must have needed May for more important missions in more distant realms. Peace be with you all.
A O
February 1, 2007
Such a beautiful and talented young woman! Comfort and blessings to you, Zhou Family.
nanette
January 31, 2007
I've had May in my thoughts and prayers from the first notification of her missing, to the news of her body being discovered, and still today. I have felt the same pain in my own family. I will continue to keep May and your family in my prayers.
Toan NGUYEN
January 31, 2007
I am deeply saddened to hear this news. May God bless your soul, Mengyao Zhou!
T K
January 31, 2007
I don't know May at all but I have been following the news of this tragic story of a very gifted and brilliant human being. I am deeply sad of your family loss. May MengYao rest in peace please.
Kindest Regards,
gary f
January 30, 2007
Though I never met her, I feel a loss too. Regardless of how she passed away, what is most important is how she lived. And seeing the flowing of love here, its apparent she lived a life with love and support.
I will pray for her and the family. God be with you all.
Michael Ho
January 30, 2007
May and I were friends back at MIT. She was always the hardworking, diligent one, smart, engaging, and funny. Every time I talked to her, she was always talking about some ridiculously amazing thing she was developing or studying. She spoke often about family and really enjoyed life and its challenges. I lost touch with her after graduation and I only heard the sad news today. Mr. and Mrs. Zhou, you raised a terrific daughter who touched the lives of all that she befriended, especially yours truly. She will be missed.
Reejis Stephen
January 30, 2007
I was shocked to hear this. May was a great person and this is the saddest thing.
She was my suitemate in Cambridge at Ashdown and the roomate of a close friend. We are deeply grieved and are waiting for more details.
Laurence
January 30, 2007
My heart goes out to the Zhou family. Mengyao, may you rest in peace.
Annette Alvarez
January 30, 2007
Please continue to find the truth of your daughter's death. May sounds like a person who had so much to live for. I will pray for strengh for you and your family.
M M
January 30, 2007
* GOD’S LENT CHILD*
“ I’ll lend you for a little while, a child of mine,
“ God said, “For you to love, the while she lives,
and mourn for when she ‘s dead”. It may be six
or seven years or twenty- two or three; But will you, till
I call him back, take care of him for me ?
She’ll bring her charm to gladden you and
(should her stay be brief) you'll have her
lovely memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she will stay, since all from
Earth must return. But there are
lessons taught below I want this child to learn.
I've looked the whole world over in my search
for teachers so true, and from the things that
crowd life's lane, I have chosen you.
Now, will you give her all your Love ?
Nor think the labor vain ? Nor hate me when I come
to take, this lent child back again ?
I fancied that I heard them say, “Dear Lord,
THY WILL BE DONE”.
For all the joys thy child will bring,
the risk of grief we'll run.
We will shelter her with tenderness, we'll love
her while we may and for the happiness
we've known, forever grateful stay.
But should thy angels call for her much sooner than
we've planned, we'll brave the bitter grief
that comes and try to understand.
Bill & Ming
January 30, 2007
Mr. & Mrs. Zhou,
The loss of someone so dear is difficult to bear. We have been following the news in the past week, and share your grief. What a beautiful human being you have raised, who touched hundreds and thousands of hearts. May Mengyao rest in peace... May the memories bring you and sister Daisy comfort in the time of crisis... May the truth be revealed soon. Take care!
Tamara Carousos
January 30, 2007
Our family has been following the story of this beautiful, young woman, and we are so upset and saddened that it ended like this! Our heartfelt prayers are with her friends and family at this time....
Zhongmin Li
January 29, 2007
Yitong,
So sad to learn this news while on a trip to boston. I know how much you have loved May and felt deeply in your loss. My family and I share your pain. Take care of yourelf and family.
Your friend from USC and ECNU.
C & M Shiroma
January 29, 2007
Our deepest condolences to the Zhou family. We were privileged to meet May on Dec. 23 and have lunch with her. She was truly a remarkable young woman. You are in our prayers. Rest in peace, May.
Ken Yang
January 29, 2007
MengYao is the kind of daughter/son every Chinese father/mother would love to have. Congratulations to MengYao and her parents.
N. Kim Nguon
January 29, 2007
Dear Zhou family,
I feft extremely sad to hear your loss, I understood how you've been through. Her brillian and character reminded me of my 17yo daugher who got eccept to Standford this fall. I have another daughter at May's age. I wished the true will reveal sooner with a better outcome. With deeply sympathy and my God bless you and your family to heel faster.
Q.C.
January 29, 2007
To Mengyao Zhou’s family -
Please know, at this difficult time you are not alone. My tears keep running when I am reading the sad news. A beautiful and bright girl, Mengyao will be in my heart always, though I don’t know her. May the warm memories of her soothe you and her sister and help you be peace. My prayers are with you.
John
January 29, 2007
Rest in Peace
Catherine Nguyen
January 29, 2007
My sister and I were in a couple of classes and clubs with May in high school and we got to know and respect May not only for her intelligence but for her kindness toward her fellow classmates. It shocks me when I first received news about her being missing. I still have a picture of us taken together in Chemistry class. I do hope that she is now in a better place and is at peace. My family would like to express our warmest thoughts to the Zhou family during this hard time.
Wendy Zhi
January 28, 2007
I feel very, very sad about the loss of your daughter. My heart goes to your family. May Mengyao rest peacefully in heaven.
M. Zhang
January 28, 2007
This traggic news has shocked San Diego Chinese community. We are so proud of the bright daughter you have raised. May God be with you and your family at this special moment, May Lord strengthen you and your wife, May Mengyao's soul rest in heaven.
Tienmu Ma
January 28, 2007
I was a friend of May's at La Jolla High School. Her brilliance was evident even then, but so also was her kindness and her decency. I can't remember hearing her utter an arrogant or mean word to or about anyone. Those who knew her at LJHS will remember her not only for her intellectual distinction but also for her happy and earnest nature. May and I lost touch a few years ago, and it is sad to hear of her again under these circumstances. This is a devastating loss.
Megan Levitt
January 28, 2007
My deepest condolences go out to the family of this wonderful and brilliant young lady. I pray that the investigation turn out more conclusive evidence so her family can live in peace. I hope it may ease your sorrow. May will always be in the hearts of all who knew her and even to those who never met her just from hearing her story.
Waymire family
January 28, 2007
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Zhou family. May Mengyao rest in peace.
H Lu
January 28, 2007
As a Stanford parent and a immigrant from China, I have been paying special attention to this event. Our hearts go out to you at this time and days ahead. We pray that God give you strength and wisdom and the truth of the tragedy be revealed soon. May Mengyao rest in peace!
Gary Brown
January 28, 2007
I did not know May , but i saw the story and , the tragic out come , and was deeply saddened by what had happen , my prayers go out to her family and everyone who knew her , she seemed to be a wonderfully bright star !
Chau Family
January 28, 2007
May God bless Mengyao and cradle your family during this very sad and trying times. As a father of two teen girls, we can only find comfort in the love and contribution Mengyao have brought to all of us, and that her situation will heighten awareness amongst all of us.
We will always keep Mengyao in our prayers.
N N
January 28, 2007
Truly a very sad happening. Our deepest sympathies to the grief stricken family. May, she rest in peace !
E P
January 28, 2007
You should be proud for the wonderful human being you raised. I have tears in my eyes reading about your loss and share your grief. My condolences to the Zhou family.
Marylin Fernando
January 28, 2007
My deepest sympathy to the Zhou family. May she rest in peace.
y zheng
January 27, 2007
My deepest condolence.
Jean
January 27, 2007
As a member of the Stanford Community, I feel the sadness all around the campus. I did not know May personally but her sudden demise touched my life in so many ways. My prayers are with the Zhou's during this tragic event.
Suchitra Chander
January 27, 2007
We wish the family peace that is beyond this world, and wisdom and acceptance of this untimely passing ... though a human parent or sister or friend (or even stranger!) can never understand this tragedy fully.
We wish the family and friends all comfort, strength and upliftment at this very challenging time ... and peace in the healing process. You will always treasure the beautiful memories in your hearts ...
I have heard very good things about May from her Stanford friend/colleague. We hope the mystery is solved, and also that the surviving family and friends are heartened by at least the memories and some future dreams and hopes, that we need to form in this life to move on ...
S.C., San Jose
John Doe
January 27, 2007
For whatever reason,for whatever cause,nothing changes the outcome. One thing for certain, you are not here. May the pain you felt here be gone forever, and may the happiness and joy you felt here be with you always. Forever may you rest in peace, happiness, and love. For love is all we take with us, and nothing else at all. Love "May", love and nothing else at all.
PS
January 27, 2007
To May and her family
I pray for your peace and for something good to come out of this tragedy. I also pray that for the peace of your minds, the truth behind the circumstances of May's death come to light. My thoughts and prayers are with you always
Chao's Family
January 27, 2007
We did not know Mengyao nor anyone in your family - but hearing and reading about her passing, we feel compelled to offer our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
As parents, we can only imagine your grief. May you find strength in these condolences and know that your community grieves with you.
the Le family
January 27, 2007
There are no words to express how deeply sorry I am for this trying time.
My thoughts and prayers are with your parents, sister, and family.
Fernando Gomez Pancorbo
January 27, 2007
May and I took together a math class last fall quarter. Since there were more people taking the class than seats in the classroom, I was in charge of going each day like 1h in advance to pick a seat for both of us.
I am devastated by the loss of my friend. She was a brilliant student and a better human being. I am honored that I had the chance to become her friend.
May, your memory will always live in the heart of your friends. We will never forget you.
James Young
January 27, 2007
Mengyao, May you be peaceful in the heaven! Give my deepest sympathy to your family.
James Young Auckland, NZ
Gordon Ao
January 27, 2007
It was with great disappointment and saddness that I learn May's Death. My heart and prayers go out to May's family and may truth be told and her soul rest in peace in heaven. A death is not the ending but the beginning of something larger than life. I firmly believe that she will not die in vain.
Riaz Zuberi
January 27, 2007
I am deeply saddened on hearing of Mengy ao Zhou's death. My son went to La Jolla High and graduated in 2003 so we were the parents of the kids at school and it is very sad to hear of one of them passing away at such a young and promising time in her life.
Pian
January 27, 2007
I am so sadden by May’s death. She is such a brilliant and sweet girl. May her peace in heaven!
Ginna Hai
January 27, 2007
My thoughts and condolences are with you.
Tess Jacobson
January 27, 2007
Dear Mengyao, Whatever pain drove you to take your beautiful life must have been unbearable. I did not know you but I am very saddened by your death. May God bless you and give you the peace you could not find in this life.
Carol Irwin
January 27, 2007
I send my deepest sympathies to the Zhou family. It is a terrible tragedy to loose a child. My heart is with you all.
Bev. Chin
January 27, 2007
I did not know May nor anyone in your family - but hearing and reading about May's passing, I feel complelled to offer my deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God take her in His arms - she now rest in peace....Bev. Chin (La Verne, California).
Gary Newhall
January 27, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Lisa Lee
January 27, 2007
May the lord bless Mengyao's family in this time of pain and sorrow. Our prayers are with you and may she rest in peace.
Doug & Darlene Burton
January 27, 2007
Our sympathies to the Zhou family, their friends and families, and all who knew May. As parents, we can only imagine your grief. May you find strength in these condolences and know that your community grieves with you.
Kimball Hollins
January 27, 2007
Sorry about your loss may the Lord bless you and your family in this tragic time.
Eric
January 27, 2007
May the Lord bless May's family and her soul with His great mercy and grace amid such a tragic loss.
zack hou
January 27, 2007
my condolences...
Tracy Ho
January 26, 2007
My thoughts and my prayers are with you. Take care.
Balangue Family
January 26, 2007
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
Toby Park
January 26, 2007
My prayers are with Ms. Zhou's family in this time of extreme grief of their great loss.
Ken
January 26, 2007
??????,
??????????.
????,????!
Sylvia Lee
January 26, 2007
No one else can truly feel the sorrow that you bear. Please know that the prayers of many are with you, your wife, and May's sister. Your lovely daughter, May, has touched many lives. Let the beautiful memories be with you and comfort you. I personally will remember May's remarkable achievements and bright smiles.
Lynn Adams
January 26, 2007
My prayers to our Father In Heaven are asking that you (FAMILY) will be comforted and know that if you follow his commandments you will spend eternity as a family...Peace be with you, the Lord be with you, the Holy Ghost to comfort you and direct you.....
Robert Lum
January 26, 2007
My deepest sympathy for such a great loss to not only her family, but to what her talent and intelligence could have contributed to society.
M. L.
January 26, 2007
I was not fortunate enough to know May while she was here, but as a fellow graduate student at Stanford, I can honestly say that this sad news has hit the entire Stanford community quite hard. I can only imagine how heartbreaking the loss is for family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Elia (Yining) Wu
January 26, 2007
Dear Yi-Tong and family, Very sorry to hear the sad news. May God be with you at this moment... (from your classmate at ECNU)
Tammy Cherry
January 26, 2007
My deepest sorrow to you for your loss. My prays are with you. I didn't know your daughter but it really saddens me. God be with you.
January 26, 2007
May God give you the strength to continue and may her soul rest in peace...
Erich Pokorny
January 26, 2007
My deepest condolences on your loss. My heartfelt prayers are with you.
monique a
January 26, 2007
my heart goes out to the Zhou family!
Karrie Dennis
January 26, 2007
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Donna Howlett
January 26, 2007
I always feel sad when a young person dies.
My sympathys go out to her family.
I've had many losses in my family. I understand the terrible pain.
Daisy
January 26, 2007
It's heart wrenching... my deepest condolence to the family.
Gloria Pappas
January 26, 2007
I pray that your family finds the truth and can find the strength to deal with your loss. I know you are in Heaven and away from all the stress and pain of this world. Rest in peace
peter cai
January 26, 2007
My thoughts are with you. Rest in peace May...
kevin t
January 26, 2007
Our prayers are with you. Our deepest sympathy.
Denise Bradley
January 26, 2007
This story has came all the way to Atlanta Georgia. I'm am just painfully touch how her young life so smart, talentant and beautiful could be taken for what reason??? This is a person that would of made a difference here. My condolences goes out to here family and friends. May Rest In Peace.
Amy
January 26, 2007
I am sorry to hear what happened to May. She is a very successful young lady. My prayers are with the family.
Natalie Britton
January 26, 2007
It is hard to accept the loss of such a prominent woman. May she always be remembered.
Liz
January 26, 2007
My thoughts are with you. Rest in peace May...
January 26, 2007
My deepest condolenses. My prayers go out to the family....
Paula Chupp
January 26, 2007
I was very Sadden To hear The news Bout May, My Deepest Heartfelt Prayers Go Out To Her Family...
January 26, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
January 26, 2007
I am so sorry and saddened for your loss. A very bright star and light has left us and the world is dimmer but sweeter for having been touched by her essence. I pray that all those who knew May, particularly her family, will be comforted with the thought that her beautiful spirit continues on. Kim S, Milpitas
January 26, 2007
May god be with you in your time of loss, my heart goes out to you & your family.
Showing 1 - 100 of 183 results
Make a Donation
in Mengyao Zhou's name
How to support Mengyao's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Mengyao Zhou's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more