A tragic event unfolded at a gym in Henan Province, where a 27-year-old fitness enthusiast named Xiaohou met his untimely death. On July 3, Xiaohou, who was filming himself working out, was found alone in the gym with a 120kg barbell pinned across his neck. The incident, captured on CCTV, occurred just before the gym’s official opening time, which Xiaohou accessed using his key from his previous employment there.
Xiaohou, described by the gym owner Mr. Zhao as a dedicated lifter who preferred to train without a spotter due to his confidence, had been a regular at the gym for four years post-university. His passion for fitness was such that he reportedly never considered dating, focusing solely on his workouts.
Following the discovery of Xiaohou’s body by staff at 2:30 PM, despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Shortly after, his family arrived at the gym, demanding a compensation of 1.2 million yuan (approximately S$225,000). They insisted on keeping his body at the gym until their demands were met, leading to the gym’s closure and significant financial losses, estimated at 600,000 yuan ($112,400).
The legal battle that ensued saw the court ruling the gym 90% liable for Xiaohou’s death, a decision Mr. Zhao contested by filing an appeal, hoping for a reversal. The incident not only led to the gym’s closure but also strained relationships with Xiaohou’s family, with whom Mr. Zhao and mutual friends once shared cordial ties during festivals. Now, communication is limited to discussions about compensation, and Mr. Zhao has lost touch with where his friend was laid to rest, highlighting the deep rift caused by the tragedy and its aftermath.
Leave a Reply