While Yifan Tao was quiet, he was a good student, a professor said.

Tao, a 23-year-old graduate student in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Syracuse University, died early Thursday morning in a car accident. He was studying mechanical and aerospace engineering and was expected to graduate in 2017, according to an SU News release.

Jacques Lewalle, an associate professor of mechanical engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, had Tao in his class this semester. He said although he did not get to know him well this semester, Tao was a good student and did not draw his attention.

“(He was) in the quiet half of 40-plus students,” Lewalle said in an email.

Multiple students said they were told not to comment and the Chinese Students and Scholars Association would not allow one of Tao’s close friends to talk to the media.

The crash occurred on East Seneca Turnpike in front of the Clark Reservation State Park in the Town of DeWitt, according to a release from the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office.

The Dodge Charger struck a tree on the north side of the road. Tao, along with another 23-year-old SU graduate student, Chengye Hou, were pronounced dead at the scene. Jiarui Chen, the third passenger in the vehicle and an SU student, was the only one to survive the crash, according to the release.

“I join Chancellor (Kent) Syverud and the entire University community in extending our heartfelt sympathies during this painful time. Our thoughts are with their families and friends, and all those impacted by this tragedy,” said Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz, senior vice president and dean of student affairs, in an SU News release.

A ceremony was held in the Schine Student Center on Sunday in remembrance of Tao and Hou.

Published on October 25, 2015 at 10:20 pm

Contact Rachel: rsandler@syr.edu