Local officials were sacked following the death of a 17-year-old teenager with cerebral palsy at home while his family was away in quarantine.

Local officials held responsible for teen's death

According to a press release from the Hong'an County government, the mayor and local party secretary of Hezhen town were fired from their positions following an investigation by the Hong'an County.

They were held responsible for the death of the teen, whose name was Yan Cheng, with the press statement saying they had neglected their official duties.

The investigative team further said that while Yan's relatives, local officials, and doctors took care of him every single day, the "relevant officials did not do their job thoroughly and to the best of their ability".

While it was reported previously by Beijing Youth Daily that Yan was 17 years old, the Hong'an County government said he was 16 years old in its press statement.

Father appealed for help from the public

Yan, whose father said he could not talk or take care of himself, was reportedly fed by government workers twice during the six days he was left alone.

While his aunt visited him as well, she only did so for three days due to her own health problems.

Yan's father had earlier taken to Weibo to appeal for help from the public to go to his son and give him a protective suit.

His post was later taken down.

Yan was supposed to be reunited with his father and brother to be quarantined on the day he was found dead.

His cause of death is currently being investigated.

Top image adapted via Dami & Xiaomi