Qiu Feng, a monk from China’s Shaolin Temple, died in a car accident last Wednesday (Aug 7). He was known as the “Most Handsome Monk”, and was only 21.
According to reports, Qiu Feng was the lone passenger in a private hire car, which he booked on an online app, when it collided with a truck on the Zhejiang Zhuyong Highway heading towards Wenzhou.
The accident happened close to 1am, and the private hire driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Qiu Feng was sent to the hospital, but succumbed to his injuries on the night of August 8.
According to one of Qiu Feng’s seniors from the temple, he was headed towards Zhejiang to participate in a charity performance when the accident occurred.
A Xiao Hong Shu account Shaolin San Bao (少林三宝) dedicated a post to the late monk, stating that he “has completed his duty as a monk with his time on Earth”.
Many have also taken to Chinese social media sites, including Weibo, to mourn Qiu Feng’s sudden passing.
Qiu Feng, who is also known by his religious title Yan Heng, gained popularity online for his kungfu skills, charismatic performances, and good looks.
He entered the temple at the age of 12, and was a well-loved and respected figure.
Earlier this year, he participated in the filming of wuxia drama, Fu Hai Shan (赴山海). According to Chinese media, the show is set to air within the next two years.
Shaolin Temple, alongside various sectors of the society, have paid tribute to Qiu Feng. They said his passing “is a great loss to the Shaolin Temple, and the legacy of Shaolin culture as a whole”.
Qiu Feng’s body has since been transported to his hometown for his funeral.