By Alex 
On April 23, 2025, a tragic incident occurred at the Wuhan branch of Yuanfudao, a well-known Chinese online education company, when a young employee died suddenly in the office. The news quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread concern and discussion.
Background of the Incident
The deceased employee, identified as Li, was a 26-year-old male who had been working at Yuanfudao for over five years. He graduated from Huazhong Agricultural University in 2020 and had a promising career ahead of him. Tragically, Li was set to get married on May 2, just days after the incident.
Details of the Event
On April 22, Li went to the office and worked late into the night. His fiancée, unable to reach him, called the police in the early hours of the morning. On the morning of April 23, Li was found unresponsive in his office by cleaning staff. The local emergency services confirmed that he had no signs of life.
Company Response
Yuanfudao issued an official statement on April 25, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of their employee. The company stated that Li was an outstanding employee who had been dedicated and responsible in his work. However, the company also emphasized that the day of the incident was a scheduled day off for Li’s team, and no overtime work had been arranged.
Investigation Underway
Local authorities, including the Wuhan Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, have confirmed the incident and are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Li’s death. The results of the investigation are yet to be released, but the incident has already drawn significant attention to employee welfare and workplace safety.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and addressing the potential dangers of overwork.