On September 20th, 21-year-old college student Xiao Qiao, who had been working at Yunda Express Co., Ltd. in Zhumadian, Henan for more than twenty days, accidentally damaged a part of the company’s tricycle. The company asked him to bear the 200 yuan repair cost. Overwhelmed with emotions, he jumped into the Lianjiang River from Lianjiang Bridge and tragically lost his life, sparking widespread attention on social media.
Xiao Qiao’s sister, Ms. Qiao, told reporters from Jixu News on September 29th that around 3 PM on the 20th, she received a call from her brother saying he had accidentally hit a curb while delivering packages on the tricycle, causing damage to the vehicle’s suspension. She advised him to ask the company where to get it repaired. The company deemed it Xiao Qiao’s fault and required him to pay 200 yuan for the repairs.
At 6:55 PM, Ms. Qiao received a voice message from her brother: “I can’t do anything right. I’m sorry to mom and dad. I’m leaving, please take care of them.”
Xiao Qiao’s mother also received a message from him where he expressed self-deprecation and wished his parents not to struggle anymore and to have an easier life.
According to Red Star News, on that afternoon, Xiao Qiao called his mother to inform her about the accident. His mother replied, “As long as you are safe,” and transferred 200 yuan for the vehicle’s repair.
However, Xiao Qiao was already in a fragile emotional state. At 7:20 PM that evening, he sent a WeChat message to his mother, thanking her and expressing self-doubt and guilt.
After Xiao Qiao’s passing, his family found messages on his phone where he complained to his friends about the company’s unfair penalties, expressed his intention to resign but was not allowed to do so, among other frustrations.
After working for slightly over ten days, Xiao Qiao was informed by a staff member that he was fined 100 yuan for his mistake. Xiao Qiao mentioned to his friends about wanting to resign, but the company wanted to wait until they found a replacement before letting him go. He feared not receiving his wages if he left directly. On September 12th, he posted on social media, indicating he was not prepared to continue working, citing issues with the company’s management.
Ms. Qiao mentioned that when the family demanded an explanation from the Yunda branch in Zhumadian, the company claimed that Xiao Qiao had not signed a labor contract with them, leading to a deadlock in negotiations. The family believes Xiao Qiao was unfairly treated during his time working at the company and seeks clarification.
An insider informed reporters on September 29th that the company in question is not a direct branch of Yunda but a franchise outlet. The local staff are currently in discussions with the family to address the situation.
On September 30th, Ms. Qiao stated that “the matter has been resolved.”
Ms. Qiao revealed that Xiao Qiao, born in 2003, was a third-year student at a vocational technical college in Jiangsu and was expected to graduate in January 2025.
This incident has since garnered public attention.
“Express companies are arbitrary in fining their couriers! To be a courier, one must be mentally prepared to be fined! The company’s word is final, regardless of right or wrong – fines come first.”
“The blurred lines of responsibilities in society have left scars on young newcomers! They are too fragile; life is unpredictable with many challenges ahead. It’s unfortunate for their parents.”
“It might not only be about work but also the lack of hope for the future. Most college students in their third year have to intern at organizations; he probably couldn’t find a suitable internship and resorted to working as a courier. For children from ordinary families, the period right after graduation is the toughest. Transitioning from a student to a job seeker is a whole different environment. I also had moments of despair when I just graduated, but thankfully, I didn’t do anything foolish.”