Chinese teacher, 30, dies by suicide, roommate says he'd been under a lot of pressure & hadn't slept for 43 hours

A 30-year-old male kindergarten teacher in Shanghai's Xuhui district has died, with his roommate saying he had been under intense pressure from both the school and parents in the days leading up to his death.

According to Sin Chew Daily News, the teacher, surnamed Wang, passed away on May 30. His roommate wrote on Weibo that Wang, usually warm and cheerful, had been stressed at work lately and had gone 43 hours without sleep before his death.

Authorities say investigation ongoing

According to HK01, a staff member from the Xuhui District Education Bureau said on Jun. 12 that they were aware of the case.

The staff member said:

"We are deeply saddened and regretful over Mr Wang's passing. The relevant circumstances are still under investigation. We also ask that the public respect the privacy of the deceased and refrain from speculating or spreading unverified information."

The kindergarten involved has not responded.

Days before, he was looking forward to a holiday

According to his roommate, just three days before his death, Wang had been looking forward to an upcoming holiday, telling his roommate he had planned a trip to Hainan, bought travel essentials, and even renewed a year-long video streaming subscription.

Wang's father had passed away from illness when Wang was in his final year of secondary school, leaving his mother to support the family on her own. He went on to study at Gannan Normal University, graduating to become a kindergarten teacher known by students and parents alike as dedicated and responsible, per HK01.

Timeline of the days before

According to his roommate's account, posted on Weibo, a series of events in the days before Wang's death added to his stress. On May 27, Wang allegedly had to take on more responsibilities after a colleague quit. He reportedly told his roommate he felt anxious every day because of it.

The roommate said that the following day, two parents got into an argument in the class group chat over a personal dispute. When Wang sought help from relevant personnel, he was reportedly turned down. That night, according to the roommate, Wang first expressed thoughts of suicide, per HK01.

According to his roommate, Wang left his home for the last time in the early hours of May 30, after going 43 hours without sleep.

Online tributes pour in

HK01 reported that Wang's death drew an outpouring of tributes online from former students, parents, and friends.

One commenter recalled meeting Wang a decade ago on their first trip to Shanghai, when Wang treated them to a meal.

A senior from Wang's university recalled knowing him through a volunteer club, saying he was someone who put in effort in volunteer activities.

A parent of a student praised him for being conscientious and responsible, and said his son remembers him to this day.

"We still haven't dared to tell him that Mr Wang is gone."