Guangzhou teacher found dead with tape on face; police rule out homicide amid widespread disbelief

GUANGZHOU, CHINA:  A 42-year-old teacher at Huangcun Chinese-English School in Guangzhou’s Tianhe District was found dead in his staff dormitory, with tape wrapped around his mouth, nose, and neck.

Authorities ruled out homicide and claimed the cause of death was “asphyxiation,” but the incident has triggered widespread public skepticism and accusations of an official cover-up.

The deceased, identified as Wu Daoyun, was a senior teacher and middle school director at the school.

His wife, Ms Guan, also a teacher at the same school, recorded a video in tears outside the school gates, accusing administrators of pushing her husband to his death.

Wu’s younger brother also released a video claiming the school prevented him from collecting his brother’s belongings and even threatened to call the police on him.

Authorities Rule Out Murder, Allegedly Force Rapid Cremation

According to reports, Wu’s father discovered his body on 31 October and attempted resuscitation.

School officials moved Wu to the finance office, where doctors and emergency personnel later pronounced him dead.

Authorities quickly conducted a forensic examination, concluding that Wu had died from suffocation and “ruled out homicide.”

Wu’s family requested that his body be preserved until late that evening so relatives could arrive from out of town, but at about 7:30 p.m., police and school officials allegedly forced the removal of the body through a back door.

Relatives who tried to intervene were restrained. The body was reportedly cremated without family consent.

The family claims the authorities acted to suppress public outcry, while local police accused them of trying to demand higher compensation.

The school reportedly offered 200,000 yuan (approximately US$27,600) in settlement, which the family rejected, calling for an independent investigation.

Public Doubts Over “Suicide” and Leaked Note

The official conclusion that Wu committed suicide by taping his own mouth and nose has been met with disbelief online, with many netizens questioning whether such a method is even feasible.

A handwritten suicide note, allegedly from Wu, was later circulated online, claiming he faced “intense work pressure” and was “mentally unwell.”

However, observers noted several inconsistencies, including the unnatural phrasing and implausible self-diagnosis of “mental instability.”

Chinese media reported that Wu left behind his elderly parents and two young daughters, aged 10 and 6.

Critics argue that the vague explanation of “work stress” does not justify abandoning his family, fueling further suspicion of foul play.

Unverified Claims Circulate Online

Unconfirmed online reports have alleged that Wu was killed for intervening in misconduct involving local officials and a female student, though no credible evidence has emerged to support these claims.

Authorities have yet to issue a detailed public statement addressing the alleged procedural irregularities and forced cremation, while calls for a transparent reinvestigation continue to grow across Chinese social media platforms.