Naperville woman killed in attack near Germany's Neuschwanstein Castle, friend injured

BAVARIA, Germany (WLS) -- A 21-year-old University of Illinois graduate from Naperville died after being assaulted and pushed down a slope by an American man near one of Germany's most popular tourist sights, Neuschwanstein Castle, in Bavaria, according to local police.

Eva Liu was on a trip with her college friend 22-year-old Kelsey Chang.

Liu and Chang, who is also from Illinois, had gone for a hike on Wednesday near the historic "Marienbrücke," a bridge known for its views of the Neuschwanstein Castle.

The two women then met a 30-year-old American man, also a tourist, who persuaded them to follow him down a hidden trail leading to a viewpoint, according to police.

Both women were American tourists and the man was previously unknown to them, Thomas Hoermann, a spokesperson at the prosecutor's office in the town of Kempten in Bavaria, told CNN.

"I just, my heart breaks for them," said Debbie Krull, neighbor of the Liu family in Naperville. "I'm very upset. Very upset and very heartbroken for them."

After leading the women down the trail, the man "physically attacked" Liu, according to police. The man then choked Chang and pushed her down a steep slope after she intervened to help her friend.

Police believe the man then attempted to sexually assault Liu, then pushed her down the slope, causing her to fall about 50 meters below her friend.

"My daughter travels overseas and stuff too, and I just can't even believe what people are capable of doing anymore. You worry really bad," Krull said.

The two women were rescued by the Füssen mountain rescue service Wednesday afternoon, according to police. Rescue services airlifted Liu to a hospital. Liu died overnight after sustaining serious injuries, police in Bavaria said in a statement issued Thursday.

Chang survived the fall after a tree stopped her, and was able to speak when found by rescuers. She was also taken to the hospital, where she is recovering.

Neighbors of the Liu family are devastated by the loss.

"Very, very sweet people. I mean, it just shouldn't have happen," Krull said.

Both women recently graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The university released the following statement:

"I can confirm that Kelsey Chang was awarded a BS in Computer Engineering in May 2023, and Eva Y. Liu was awarded a BS in Computer Science in May 2023. Our University of Illinois family is mourning the senseless death of Ms. Liu and the attack on Ms. Chang. Both had just graduated in May and should have been able to celebrate such an important accomplishment without the fear of such a tragic outcome. Our thoughts are with Ms. Chang as she recovers and with both of their families as they grieve."

Liu and Chang both graduated from Illinois Math and Science Academy in Aurora. The school released a statement saying in part, "Eva was a dedicated, academically talented and involved student... On behalf of our administration, faculty and staff, we are saddened by this loss and we grieve for and with her family and loved ones. The loss of any student, particularly in such a tragic way, deeply hurts us all."

The attacker, who fled the scene, is in police custody, according to police. He is charged with murder, attempted murder and a sexual offense.

The CNN Wire contributed to this report.