Elderly woman in China cries & holds remains of pet duck killed in car accident, animal provided 'spiritual support'

After her pet duck was fatally struck by a vehicle, an elderly woman in China's Jiangsu province was in distress, wailing as she clutched the duck on the street.

A video of the emotional scene filmed by a neighbour attracted sympathy after it was posted on Douyin on Nov. 4.

This neighbour, surnamed Chen, told China's City Live that the accident happened at around 10am on Nov. 2, in the residential estate where they lived.

His video's original caption shared that the woman had developed a strong bond with the duck after keeping it for more than four years.

More than just a pet, it was her companion for spiritual support.

A lucky charm

In the video, the woman was talking to the duck while stroking it, appearing to tell the duck that it was the family's blessing, and was why her husband could still be alive today.

Chen told Chinese media that the woman had started raising the duck for superstitious reasons after her elderly husband was diagnosed with oesophageal and stomach cancers.

She believed that the duck would help to bless her husband and aid in his recovery, and would talk to it whenever her husband was hospitalised for treatment.

The duck would apparently quietly sit beside her and listen to her.

When the woman asked the duck if her husband would be fine, it would apparently nod its head.

Each time this happened, her husband's treatment would turn out very effective, Chen claimed.

The woman would also frequently tell the duck her problems, and it would similarly listen and nod.

The elderly woman has long led a tragic life, Chen explained.

Apart from her husband, her daughter-in-law also needed treatment for an illness.

Years ago, her son got into a car accident, and has not been able to go to work since.

As she also has a granddaughter in university, the family has been strained financially.

Chen said she hoped others would help and offer support to the woman.

Heartbroken

A commenter posting in response to Chen's video, shared that the woman had cared for the duck as though it were her own child.

Prior to the accident, the duck apparently went missing.

The woman searched frantically for the duck, only to find it lifeless on the street, its insides spilled out.

In the video, a traffic police officer could be seen standing next to the woman, appearing to be taking down details about the accident.

According to South China Morning Post, the incident was apparently a hit-and-run, but the driver responsible for the accident was later tracked down by traffic police.

As of Nov. 13, Chen has edited his video caption to provide an update: the driver has compensated the woman, and she has buried the duck.

While she was initially heartbroken, her mood has since improved, he said.

Many in the comments were moved by how much the duck meant to the woman.

"For this elderly woman, money can't buy back years of companionship," one wrote.

"What might look like just a duck was actually a source of comfort and support for this grandma in tough times," another said. "I hope the duck's departure won't break her completely, and hope the duck's spirit truly can help the family get through disasters."

Top images from 淡烟流水/Douyin