 |
| Fans Draw Parallels Between Yu Menglong’s Passing and Actress Ren Jiao’s Case |
The sudden passing of mainland Chinese actor Alan Yu Menglong, who reportedly fell from a building, has left the entertainment world shaken and the public full of speculation.
His death has not only triggered widespread discussions online but also brought back memories of another tragic case that stunned fans years ago – the loss of actress Ren Jiao in 2017.
Ren Jiao, often nicknamed “Little Liu Yan” and “Little Angelababy” for her resemblance to the two stars, was just 28 when she was found lifeless near a hotel lawn in Suzhou.
 |
| Ren Jiao |
The police later ruled it an alcohol-related accident, closing the file despite the buzz surrounding her final hours.
The night before, paparazzi had snapped her entering actor Yang Xuwen’s room, a detail that fuelled endless speculation across social media at the time.
 |
| Yang Xuwen |
Ren Jiao was a graduate of the prestigious Beijing Film Academy, known for roles in the fantasy blockbuster Zhong Kui: Snow Girl and the Dark Crystal and an appearance on the hit variety show Keep Running.
Her untimely passing became one of the most discussed incidents of that year.
What ties the two tragedies together in public conversation is the name Yang Xuwen.
Back in 2017, his reputation took a heavy blow from rumours linking him to Ren Jiao’s case.
 |
He kept a low profile afterwards, stepping away from the spotlight before making a steady comeback in 2022 with the drama Strange Stories of the Tang Dynasty.
Fast forward to 2025, fresh online whispers suggested Yang Xuwen was present when Yu Menglong fell.
His team swiftly hit back, hiring a lawyer to issue a firm denial.
 |
To make things more chaotic, Yu Menglong’s so-called “dinner list” circulated online, showing his frustration towards those present, with the actor himself calling out his friends for “being disloyal.”
Amid the swirl of theories, Yu Menglong’s family released a statement clarifying that the stories online were false.
Still, the confusing details, coupled with memories of how Ren Jiao’s last boyfriend never made a clear public statement back in 2017, left fans suspicious.
Many accused management companies of trying to bury uncomfortable news, which only intensified the backlash.
Yu Menglong a.k.a Alan Yu, known for his soft, romantic image in dramas, had been part of the industry’s younger generation of leading men.
 |
His death is now being mourned by fans across the country. Meanwhile, Yang Xuwen, who first rose to fame as Guo Jing in the 2017 version of The Legend of the Condor Heroes, continues to deal with shadows from the past. W
ith Strange Stories of the Tang Dynasty: Journey to the West lined up, his career has been regaining traction – but renewed speculation may once again complicate his path.
For many, the parallels between Yu Menglong and Ren Jiao’s cases are too striking to ignore.
Both stars left at their prime, both surrounded by unanswered questions, and both leaving fans with a lingering sense of unease about how the industry handles its tragedies.