The cold-formed steel industry is mourning the loss of Dr. Wei-Wen Yu, P.E., a pioneering researcher, educator and author whose work helped shape modern cold-formed steel design. Yu died June 2, 2026, at the age of 102.

Over a career spanning more than six decades, Yu became one of the most influential figures in the development of cold-formed steel engineering. His research, publications, standards work and mentorship helped establish many of the design principles and practices used throughout the industry today.

Yu joined the faculty of Missouri University of Science and Technology in 1968 and authored more than 100 technical publications related to cold-formed steel structures. He was also the founding director of what became the Wei-Wen Yu Center for Cold-Formed Steel Structures, a leading hub for research, education and industry collaboration.

Many engineers know Yu through the textbook Cold-Formed Steel Design, which remains one of the industry's most widely used technical references and is now in its fifth edition.

Throughout his career, Yu received numerous honors, including becoming Missouri S&T's first engineering faculty member named a Curators' Distinguished Professor. His influence extended beyond academia through decades of contributions to industry standards, research programs and professional education.

A memorial service is scheduled for June 11 in Rolla, Mo. In lieu of flowers, Yu's family has requested memorial contributions to the Wei-Wen Yu Graduate Fellowship at Missouri University of Science and Technology, which supports future generations of engineering students.