Community members and activists have gathered on the University of Michigan campus to pay tribute to Wang Danhao, a semiconductor researcher from China who took his own life after being questioned by US federal agents.

About 30 people attended the vigil, organised by peace advocacy group Code Pink to mark one month since Wang died. They formed a circle around an altar set with candles, flowers, incense and his portrait, sharing memories of his life and research, as well as their reactions to the young man’s death.

Bob McMurray, a University of Michigan graduate and Code Pink member, said he did not know Wang personally, but hearing about his death felt like “a gut punch”. He told attendees there would be time to “seek answers”, but last Friday’s vigil was about remembering Wang, who was believed to be in his early thirties.

“There is a mum and dad in China mourning the loss of their son,” he said. “There are people here in the university research community who feel his absence every day.”

Linda Wan, the vigil’s organiser and McMurray’s wife, said that only a handful of Chinese nationals showed up, some wearing masks, as many were nervous about coming out in public but “very grateful we were doing this”.

She said the gathering felt “very empowering”.