Suicidal woman kneels before family of her rescuer

A rescuer lost his life on Monday while trying to save a young woman who tried to  commit suicide in Kunming, Yunnan Province, causing her to kneel in front of the rescuer's family.

The 24-year-old woman surnamed Li attempted to commit suicide by throwing herself into the Panlong River. Wang Jiayong, 22,  followed close behind to try to rescue her.‍

Wang jumped into the water and grabbed Li for about 12 minutes until she was dragged ashore. But Wang himself was left in the water, and drowned after being unable to be pulled to the shore.

Wang’s body was recovered Thursday morning about ten kilometers from downstream.

Li was spotted kneeling down in front of Wang’s devastated mom in deep regret and sorrow.

Wang was from southwest China’s Guizhou Province, and settled in Yunnan to earn a living. According to his family, the thoughtful young man had been working hard to support his mom and grandma after his father died.

Kunming authorities have promised to name Wang one of the Righteous and Courageous, a title that could help grant the family possible compensation to leverage the burden left to the Wang’s family. Li was also reportedly attending to her rescuer’s family ever since the incident.

China’s Ministry of Public Security on March 14 released draft rules on the Reward and Social Security to the Righteous and Courageous, asking the public to know and to remodel policies so that good Samaritans who offer helping hands can receive what they deserve.