A tragic incident in China has reignited public debate over extreme work culture in the technology sector after a 32-year-old IT engineer died suddenly while working over the weekend. Shockingly, work-related messages continued to reach his phone even after he had passed away.
According to Chinese media reports, the software engineer, identified only by his surname Gao, was working from home on a Saturday morning when he began to feel unwell. His wife said he complained of dizziness but insisted on continuing his work, choosing to sit in the living room with his laptop instead of resting.
Shortly after, Gao collapsed and lost control of his bladder. Despite the alarming symptoms, he reportedly changed his clothes and asked his wife to bring his laptop along as they prepared to head to the hospital, reflecting the intense pressure he felt to remain available for work.
Collapsed in Lift While Heading to Hospital
While making their way to the car, Gao collapsed again inside the lift and began experiencing seizures. His wife called for help and attempted to pull him out of the lift while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
Paramedics reached the scene at approximately 9.14am and found that Gao had no heartbeat or breathing. He was rushed to Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, where medical staff attempted resuscitation.
Doctors later confirmed that Gao had died from sudden cardiac arrest linked to Adams-Stokes syndrome, a condition that can cause abrupt fainting and heart rhythm failure. The diagnosis came as a shock to his family, as a health screening conducted in mid-2024 reportedly showed a normal electrocardiogram.
Work Messages Continued After His Death
Gao’s wife revealed that he had recently been promoted to a managerial role and was facing an overwhelming workload. In the week leading up to his death, he reportedly returned home no earlier than 9.30pm each night.
Company system records showed that Gao had logged into his work platform on the morning he collapsed, with multiple deadlines due that day. While he was still undergoing emergency treatment, his phone reportedly vibrated with a new work group invitation.
Even more disturbingly, eight hours after his death, a colleague allegedly sent him a message asking him to fix a software bug, sparking widespread outrage online.
Public Anger Over Toxic Work Culture
Gao’s story has triggered strong reactions on social media, with many criticising toxic workplace expectations, unpaid overtime, and the lack of work-life balance in the tech industry. Some netizens described the image of him bringing a laptop to the hospital as a symbol of modern workplace exploitation.
Gao came from a poor background in Henan and worked hard from a young age to fund his education. He later joined a company he admired and pursued his passion for coding, despite the strain it placed on his personal life.
Following his death, his wife shared emotional messages online expressing her grief, saying she still waits each night for him to return home. Authorities are reportedly processing the case as a work-related death, adding to ongoing discussions about employee welfare, labour protections, and mental health in high-pressure industries.