On 17/8, police in Shangnan County, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, received a call from a friend of Zheng Yu. The friend said they had been unable to contact Zheng for several days and feared something was wrong.
Upon arrival, police discovered Zheng's body. She had been dead for several days. The scene showed no signs of foul play or suicide. It's believed she died suddenly from a medical condition. Her two-year-old son was alone in the cluttered apartment.
Investigators found numerous empty snack wrappers, including jelly, fruit, a partially eaten pumpkin, and herbal tea. These items likely sustained the child after his mother's death. He was found soiled, wearing only a short-sleeved t-shirt and a dirty diaper, in the approximately 10-square-meter loft apartment.
A neighbor took the boy home, bathed him, cooked him noodles, changed his clothes, and then took him to the hospital. A medical examination revealed no physical injuries.
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Zheng was found dead in her cluttered home, leaving her young son Mianmian alone for days. Photo: Handout |
Zheng was found dead in her cluttered home, leaving her young son Mianmian alone for days. Photo: Handout
The neighbor reported smelling a foul odor coming from the apartment and knocking several times without a response. Another neighbor heard the child crying for days but assumed it was typical toddler behavior.
Zheng was a single mother facing extreme hardship. Both her parents have intellectual disabilities and rely on social welfare. Zheng and her sister were raised by their grandmother. She had three children from three different relationships. The two older children are being raised by their fathers.
According to relatives, Zheng had various health issues and had posted online about taking medication and monitoring her blood pressure and blood sugar.
"She once said she would rely on this youngest son in her old age and even threatened suicide to gain custody of him," said Chen Lin, a relative.
The boy's father said they lived together for a while but never registered their marriage. After they separated, he occasionally contacted her, but she blocked him in February.
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The boy underwent a medical check-up after being alone in the apartment. Photo: kan.china |
The boy underwent a medical check-up after being alone in the apartment. Photo: kan.china
According to Chinese psychologist Wang Yi, two-year-olds lack the language skills to form lasting memories. Their memories are primarily emotional. So, while he may not explicitly remember his mother's death, the smells, sounds, hunger, and fear during those days will leave a deep impression, becoming "implicit memories."
Wang Yi believes the sudden loss of his mother, his primary source of security, could have long-term psychological effects. While the boy may not fully grasp the concept of death, the experience of fear and hunger will be difficult to erase.
The psychologist emphasizes that a stable family environment and prompt care from his father are crucial for the boy's recovery.
Zheng's sudden death and the child's survival have captivated the Chinese public. Many express sympathy for Zheng's fate and concern for the boy's future.
The cause of Zheng Yu's death is still under investigation.
Nhat Minh (According to SCMP/kan.china)
