Mrs Dai, a 34-year-old mother of two from rural Hunan province, China, was deeply saddened upon learning about her husband’s sudden and unforeseen demise. Authorities informed her in early September 2018 that a vehicle registered under her husband’s name, Mr He, had been discovered submerged in a river, leading them to suspect his suicide despite no body being recovered.
Mr He, burdened with over 100,000 yuan (£10,500) of debt from online lenders to cover his three-year-old daughter’s medical expenses, left Mrs Dai to handle both the debts and their ailing daughter alone. Surprisingly, Mrs Dai later found out that her late husband had procured a one million yuan (£110,000) insurance policy without her knowledge, naming her as the sole beneficiary.
Struggling with immense grief, Mrs Dai tragically took her own life along with that of her daughter and four-year-old son, with authorities concluding it was a premeditated double murder-suicide. A suicide note posted on WeChat revealed her intentions to reunite the family in death, fearing societal rejection for her children if left behind.
This heartbreaking event captured national attention in China, shedding light on the higher suicide rates for women, particularly in rural regions like Hunan where economic opportunities are limited and support systems are minimal.
In a surprising twist, just a day after the tragic deaths, Mr He turned himself in to the police, confessing that he had staged his death to escape his debts, hoping the insurance money would aid his daughter’s treatment. He had planned to reunite with his family once in hiding, a plan unbeknownst to his wife.
Charged with insurance fraud and property damage, Mr He’s actions sparked widespread debates in China on the perils of online loans and the pressures faced by women in rural areas.
The incident serves as a catalyst for discussions on societal issues and financial struggles in China, bringing attention to the complexities faced by families in distress.
