Photo gallery Candlelight vigil held to honor windsurfer who died on Lake Mendota
A candlelight vigil was held at the Lakefront Wednesday night to honor Yu Chen, who died May 31 in a wind surfing accident on Lake Mendota.
Friends and family who attended the ceremony remembered him for being a passionate windsurfer and a good friend. He was a medical physicist and a windsurfing instructor.
Photos by Emily Hamer
A friend of Yu Chen who sailed with him speaks to family and friends who attended the candlelight vigil. Emily Hamer
Chen had been a windsurfer since 2009 and a volunteer instructor with Hoofers since 2012. Emily Hamer
Around 100 people gathered under the yellow canopy next to Hoofers. Emily Hamer
Chen was a senior medical physicist, but speakers at the ceremony said windsurfing was his passion. Emily Hamer
Though Chen's death was tragic and unexpected, friends and family members smiled to fond memories of the man that he was. Emily Hamer
Chen was only 43 years old when he died. His friends were moved to tears by the loss. Emily Hamer
The candles were lit as a part of a Chinese tradition to honor the dead. Emily Hamer
Family, friends and colleagues lit candles and talked about memories they had of Chen as the sun set. Emily Hamer
The candle lighting happened as the sun set over Lake Mendota. The purpose of the vigil was not only to remember Chen, but to "send him home." Emily Hamer