TEMPE, Ariz. -- Friends and family are mourning Xiaoying Wen, an Arizona State University student and renowned pianist who was hit and killed while on a bicycle last week.
Tempe police said the truck driver had the right of way during the crash at Rural Road and Vista del Cerro Drive, but friends of Wen say the light at the intersection is timed so that the driver and Wen both had a green light when the crash happened.
Wen was transported to the hospital where he later died from his injuries.
According to his Arizona State University bio, Wen was pursuing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree with a major in piano performance. Wen also taught and mentored his own students at ASU because of his expertise.
“Wen graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he earned a Master of Music degree in piano performance and earned his Bachelor’s degree at the Sichuan Conservatory of Music in China.
As a soloist, he was the winner of the Missouri State MTNA Young Artist Piano Competition and has held many recitals in his piano career.”
Wen studied under Dr. Baruch Meir, an associate professor of piano at Arizona State University. Meir posted a heartfelt message online about Wen. Here’s a small part of that post:
"While being one of the most talented people I have ever encountered, Xiaoying was also very humble. He was a bright light among us and embraced life to the fullest. Anyone who knew Xiaoying could see his gentle soul, and his playfulness. He was really wonderful with children including my Zohar. He had a special generosity about him, a true kindness and a positive spirit."
Here's just one of many videos you can find online of Wen's performances.
