Sherab Tenzin, born in 1965 in Lhasa, Tibet, was 23 years old when he was killed during the pro-independence demonstration on 5 March 1988. After being shot in the leg and unable to flee, he was surrounded by around 15 armed police officers, struck on the head, knocked to the ground, and brutally beaten before being stabbed in the back with an iron rod. His body bore severe head injuries, and one of his eyes was almost torn out, reflecting the extreme violence used to suppress the protests.

Following his death, his pregnant wife, Nyima, was subjected to harassment and threats by the authorities. She refused pressure to abort her pregnancy and later gave birth to their daughter, Namdrol Kunsang, whom she raised on her own.