Tze Leung Lai, Ray Lyman Wilbur Professor of Statistics, has died

The Department of Statistics learned that Professor Lai passed away in the early morning of Sunday, May 21st. As many of us knew, he had suffered from health setbacks in recent years, but this sudden news came as a great shock. We all have fond memories of his enthusiasm for our field in general, and the department in particular. Tze touched many of our careers, shaping generations of statisticians as a dedicated mentor, esteemed colleague, and generous friend. His work helped advance scientific research in many disciplines and this loss is being felt by the entire statistical community.

In a message of condolence from Yau Mathematical Sciences Center at Tsinghua University, he is remembered as a world-renowned statistician who made invaluable contributions to the field through his pioneering research and teachings. "Professor Lai lived an exemplary life of service through his work and taught us the virtues of integrity, wisdom and compassion. His legacy will live on in the work of those he has inspired."

The Department of Mathematics at the University of Hong Kong has created a special page of Tze's career details, as well as personal notes and a photo gallery, at their site.