In early 1/2025, a sex worker surnamed La in Lianzhou city, Guangdong province, met Mr. Xie, a 53-year-old restaurant owner. They engaged in sexual transactions four times, with payments ranging from 200 to 400 CNY each time.

Around 4 p.m. on 21/5, after showering and preparing for intercourse, Mr. Xie suddenly started convulsing. La immediately went to the living room and called the police. Shortly after, emergency services asked La if she needed assistance, and she confirmed. About 10 minutes later, paramedics and police arrived at the scene.

On 22/5, the Lianzhou City Public Security Bureau issued an administrative penalty decision, confirming that La had provided sexual services to Mr. Xie multiple times at a rented apartment in Lianzhou since 8/2024, earning a total of 1,100 CNY. La was detained for 15 days.

Mr. Xie’s wife, Ms. Wu, and their daughter filed a lawsuit against La, seeking over 1.31 million CNY in compensation for damages, funeral expenses, and lost income.

The Lianzhou City People’s Court mediated, but the two sides failed to reach an agreement.

On 23/9, Hongxing Xinwen reported that the court issued its initial judgment on 18/8, rejecting all of Ms. Wu's compensation claims.

The court stated that, after investigation, La had fulfilled her obligation by promptly calling the police. The police issued a death certificate stating the cause of Mr. Xie’s death as sudden death. The police also examined La on the night of the incident and found no suspicious objects or obvious injuries on her.

Ms. Wu failed to provide any evidence demonstrating a causal relationship between Mr. Xie’s sudden death and La.

The court concluded that La was not subjectively at fault for Mr. Xie’s sudden death. La's illegal act had been punished by the public security agency with 15 days of administrative detention. Mr. Xie was also responsible for the consequences of his own illegal behavior. Therefore, the court rejected all of Ms. Wu’s claims.

Tue Anh