Last week, local German police received news of an attack against two University alumni who were visiting Neuschwanstein Castle. The attacker was an American man who pushed them down a slope after assaulting them. 

Eva Liu, a 21-year-old who graduated in May, died overnight after sustaining injuries. She was traveling with her friend Kelsey Chang, who also graduated from the University in May. 

On June 14, they were hiking at the Marienbrücke near Neuschwanstein Castle, a bridge famous for its views of the castle. There, they met a 30-year-old American tourist whom neither of them had known prior. 

According to the police, the man persuaded them to go down a hidden path. The suspect then attacked Liu, and when Chang tried to intervene, the man pushed Chang down a steep slope. 

The man then attempted to sexually assault Liu before pushing her down the same slope. Both women fell around 165 feet.

Rescue workers found the two women and transported them to a local hospital. Liu died from her injuries and Chang suffered minor injuries. Chang was able to speak to authorities about the incident. 

The attacker was arrested and put in custody by German police. The U.S. Embassy is communicating with German officials about the incident, but because of the nature of international boundaries, it can take months to decide whether or not to indict the victim.

The Michigan man, whose name is currently unreleased under German privacy laws, is being held on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and sexual assault. 

“Our University of Illinois family is mourning the senseless death of Ms. Liu and the attack on Ms. Chang,” said Robin Kaler, associate chancellor and spokesperson for the University. “Both had just graduated in May and should have been able to celebrate such an important accomplishment without the fear of such a tragic outcome.”

A moment of silence was held yesterday at Naperville’s city council before their meeting. Liu grew up in the western suburb of Chicago. She and Chang both attended the nearby Illinois Math and Science Academy. 

At the University, Liu received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in computer science and Chang received a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. Liu was to start working for Microsoft in Seattle this fall after previously completing an internship there, according to the GoFundMe created to support the victims’ family.

Alice Liu, the creator of the page, said “Eva was a talented student, a kind and caring friend and a lovely daughter. She had a bright future ahead that was unfairly taken away from her.”

The link to the GoFundMe can be found here. Funds will be used to cover any legal costs and other related expenses for her funeral and memorials. 

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