Thousands of Xingtai residents came to the streets with white flowers on a chilly Wednesday, bidding farewell to a young hero who died trying to rescue a drowning man.

The city in Hebei province showed its respect for teenager Ren Wei. Residents came to mourn and donate more than 200,000 yuan ($32,000) to the family that lost its only child.

"Their help to us did warm my heart," said Zuo Qiaoxia, mother of the fallen hero.