Actor and singer Yu Menglong has died aged 37.
The Chinese star, who starred in Eternal Love, which racked up 50 billion views in 18 months, is said to have ‘fallen to his death’ on Thursday.
As reported by AsiaOne, his management Yu Menglong Studio confirmed the news in a statement on social media platform Weibo.
They said: ‘With unbearable sorrow, we announce that our beloved Menglong fell to his death on Sept 11. Police have ruled out any criminality. We hope he rests in peace and his loved ones remain strong.’
There had been earlier rumours of his death after a paparazzi photographer posted on the social media platform.
In a now-deleted post, he said the Go Princess Go star died in Beijing ‘after falling from height’ at a friend’s home, where it’s claimed he was with around ‘five or six’ friends on Wednesday night, before going to sleep at 2am and ‘locking the door’.
The post alleged: ‘When his friends were leaving the flat this morning at 6am, they couldn’t find him and only discovered his body on the ground floor.
‘A resident who was walking their dog contacted the police, who have ruled out any criminality and investigations are ongoing.’
Menglong rose to fame on Chinese singing competition Super Boy in 2013, when he finished in 10th place, having being eliminated from the same show three years earlier.
He released his first single that year called Just Nice, and in 2015 he played 9th prince in historical web drama Go Princess Go.
He dropped his debut album Toy the same year, before soaring in popularity with his role as Bai Zhen in 2017’s Eternal Love.
The show had over 50 billion views on Chinese streaming sights, and attracted fans around the world.
Other credits include roles in the likes of Xuan-Yuan Sword; Han Cloud, Legend of the White Snake and Who’s Not Rebellious Youth.
His final web series credits in 2020 were The Love Lasts Two Minds and The Moon Brightens For You.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.