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

Local reports reveal that Dang’s very last message to his father expressed his eager hope of returning to work soon

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.

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.

After 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.