We were shocked and saddened when we heard of James Yu’s tragic death. We knew James as a table tennis player who played table tennis with tremendous passion. We knew him as a young man with a brilliant future ahead of him. We would like to extend our sincere condolences to his family.
Table Tennis Canada
Here are some comments from our Canadian National Team Athletes taken from Facebook in remembrance of James.
Bryan Ho
I wish I got to know you better, had a lot of fun at your house a couple years back. You're a really funny guy and kept every training camp lively. We'll all miss you, James. Hope you're in a better place now.
Rose Huang
RIP, James Yu. I'm sorry we never had the time to become good friends, but because of you, and your fun attitude, I'm forever going to cherish the moments we've talked. You will be forever in our hearts ❤️
Xue Bo Li
RIP. Feel like I just saw you yesterday. We've had so many amazing moments together. I remember we played doubles at the first tournament I played in Canada, you were so nice to me even I didn't speak any English. You always make people around you feel comfortable and you are absolutely the funniest guy among my table tennis friends. Stay awesome and keep chopping the crazy ones up there. We all miss you.
Alexander Moran
RIP. It honestly feels like yesterday we were still playing our classic euro vs Asia pong games. I'll never forgot all the amazing memories we had. You were the funniest, craziest guy and could always make anyone happy. I know you're resting peacefully now. Keep ponging hard up there. I miss you.
Phuong Nguyen
I know we didn't talk that much but from what I've seen, you seem like a great guy who I wish I got the chance to know better. Even though we weren't as close, it's still a sad day when the table tennis world loses a wonderful player. We all hope you're in a better place. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Rest in peace James.
Moxi Guo
RIP. Won't forget the wonderful memories we had together.
Jeremy Hazin
... RIP, it is sad to find out that you passed away … we were very close friends at certain times.
Matthew Lehmann
It was a pleasure being your team event partner for all those ITTF junior tournaments. It was never a dull time when you were around ... I only wish I got to know you better. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and close friends.
Filip Ilijveski
I can't believe you're gone man, you, me and Alex were at Wonderland a month ago and everything seemed fine. It was impossible to foresee anything tragic with your jokes personality and crazy stuff you were always doing at tournaments and training camps. Always going to cherish the memories we had and while you might be gone, you'll never be forgotten. Talking to someone can often be the best help. Keep on playing CS and ponging up there. Gone too soon, my condolences to his family. Rest in peace James.
Jason Liu
RIP to our friend James. We have always been amazed by your dedication and commitment to ping pong. I still remember when you started table tennis only 5 or 6 years ago - you became a great chopper. Over the past few years, I had a great time practicing with you. You always made training a lot more fun than it actually was. I'll never forget the way you made everyone laugh and the memories that we had together. I can't believe your gone now but you'll always be remembered within our hearts. Now that life goes by so fast, it's hard to stop and talk. Problems are often hidden from our view. However, if anyone has any problems, I hope I can be there for you. I may not be the best talker, but I'll try to be a good listener. Anything negative that happens might be considered to be a big deal now; but in the long run, it won't matter in the future. A lot changes and there's always another opportunity and that second chance. James, I am grateful that I had the chance to meet you. I just wish you could play with us more. My condolences are with James' family. Rest in peace.
Wenbin Zhang
R.I.P. James... 😢 It's hard to believe that such a thing could happen to someone you know. I knew how you were always doing crazy and goofy things and never for a second would I have thought something like this could happen... my condolences to the family and rest in peace James.
Amy Nichols
RIP James. I remember the first time I met him, it was 6 years ago at my mom’s summer camp at MYTTC. My mom always admired his dedication towards table tennis and wanted me to be just like him. He excelled in summer camp without any experience and then excelled nationally in that he represented Canada quite a few times. I remember all the trips to various tournaments we went to. James was the underdog of table tennis in Canada (a true inspiration), nobody expected someone with so much enthusiasm, dedication, and determination to achieve so much in a sport within 4 years. He was the life at all the trainings, keeping smiles on everyone’s faces. James was a real asset towards My Table Tennis Mississauga, he would practice/play games with everyone at the club disregarding their level. He made everyone at the club feel accepted. It is a shame that he's no longer with us. The conversations we shared will forever be in my memory.
Nevertheless, many people feel they have to mask themselves every day to hide their true feelings. If you feel like you have anxiety, depression or very stressed that is affecting your eating or sleeping, please talk to someone. Reaching out is very important.
My condolences are with James's family.