The corpse of Zheng Yilong, a policeman who was widely lauded for jumping into the Pearl River after a tourist who had fallen in, was found at about 8 p.m. last night, Liaoning Satellite Television reports.

After jumping into the river near Xiti Dock to rescue the tourist five days ago, Zheng’s body was found floating on the river near Ersha Island.

The news of the death has been forwarded on Sina Weibo at least 400,000 times as the nation mourns a hero. Zheng has been described as a modern day Lei Feng, a historical figure who died 50 years ago today.

Tania Branigan explained in yesterday’s Guardian why China is currently on a drive to promote the spirit of Lei Feng.