‘Farewell, hero’: Chinese volunteer dies of heart failure after helping flood victims

A volunteer from southwestern China tragically died of exhaustion after giving up his holiday to join flood relief efforts in Guangxi.Dang Xinrui, 29, was employed as an integrated control operator at a railway station in Sichuan province, as reported by Guangxi-daily" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="172129" data-entity-type="organization">Guangxi Daily.While holidaying in Yunnan on July 9, Dang encountered an urgent call for volunteers to aid flood-affected areas in Guangxi and swiftly altered his plans to assist.Severe flooding, exacerbated by typhoon-induced rain, swept across the region, killing 39 people. In the mountainous area of Hengzhou, landslides and road collapses isolated Zhenlong town, disrupting power, water, communications, and transportation.Before dawn on July 14, Dang and a team of volunteers embarked on a six-hour trek into the remote town, each carrying about 15kg of medical supplies, vegetables, and other essential items.In the early hours of July 14, Dang and a volunteer team began a six-hour journey into a remote town, each carrying 15kg of emergency medicine and fresh food. Photo: BaiduAfter delivering their supplies and taking a brief rest, the group began their return journey. However, during the trek back, Dang experienced dizziness yet persevered before ultimately collapsing.His companions administered CPR while awaiting an ambulance. Police reported that medics attempted to revive him for more than three hours, but he succumbed to heart failure, which was believed to be a result of extreme exhaustion.“It is profoundly tragic. We will always remember him and be grateful for his selfless actions,” a doctor who took part in the efforts to save Dang shared with local media.Dang was his parents’ only child, known for his physical fitness and passion for hiking, according to various reports.He also exhibited a quiet dedication to helping others, frequently delivering vegetables to an elderly, childless security guard in his residential compound.Loved by colleagues for his dedicated work ethic, 29-year-old Dang Xinrui served as an integrated control operator at a railway station in Sichuan province. Photo: BaiduHis altruism extended to his work as well. In February 2021, Dang discovered a handbag containing 4,800 yuan (US$700) at the railway station and took it upon himself to locate its owner. He was subsequently named an “Outstanding Communist Youth League Member.”Further ReadingHis supervisor described him as meticulous and well-liked, highlighting that he had never made a mistake during his tenure and was consistently among the first to volunteer for community initiatives.Ma Ziwen, a colleague and close friend, recounted that Dang had sent him photographs from the disaster zone, showcasing muddy roads and the heavy pack he was carrying. He appeared proud to be making a difference.Dang’s father arrived in Guangxi on July 16. He later returned home by train with his son’s ashes. As the train passed through the station where Dang had worked, his colleagues formed a line and saluted in tribute.As an only child, Dang’s sudden passing has left his family devastated, seen here as his grief-stricken father weeps over the loss. Photo: BaiduReports indicate that Dang’s final message to his father expressed his hope of returning to work soon.Authorities in Guangxi have sought to posthumously honour him for his bravery.His untimely death has sparked a profound wave of grief across mainland social media.One online user remarked: “He did not make it out of the mountains, but he found his way into everyone’s hearts. Farewell, hero.”Another commented: “Dang must have been an angel. He fulfilled his mission in this world and returned to heaven.”