A family fun run in China ended in tragedy after a 36-year-old father collapsed and died while taking part in a kindergarten mini-marathon alongside his young son.
The heartbreaking incident took place on May 30 during the fourth edition of a parent-child mini-marathon organised by a kindergarten in Zhashui County, Shangluo, Shaanxi Province.
According to local reports, every child participating in the event was required to be accompanied by a parent.
The victim, identified as Dong Duan, was running with his eldest son, who was in the kindergarten’s senior class, while his ex-wife accompanied their younger son in a separate group.
Photos taken during the event captured Dong holding his son’s hand as they ran together. The image would later become the final photograph of the father and son together.
At around 8.21am, Dong suddenly clutched his chest before collapsing to the ground.
Medical personnel reportedly arrived about five minutes later and administered emergency treatment before rushing him to hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he was later pronounced dead.
Police launched an investigation and subsequently ruled out any criminal elements in the case.
However, the victim’s family has questioned whether adequate safety measures were in place during the event.
Dong’s sister claimed no one at the scene was able to provide immediate professional first aid after he collapsed, adding that emergency services were reportedly contacted by a passer-by rather than school staff.
The family also alleged that organisers failed to provide sufficient medical safeguards, including accident insurance coverage for participants.
According to relatives, Dong had a history of high blood pressure but had no known heart disease.
They further claimed participants were not required to submit health screening reports or medical certificates before joining the run.
The family argued that emergency response procedures were inadequate, noting that an ambulance stationed roughly 500 metres away was unable to intervene quickly enough.
They believe the critical “golden four-minute” window for emergency treatment was missed between the time Dong collapsed and when he was transported to hospital.
As of now, Dong’s body remains at the funeral home while discussions over responsibility and compensation continue.
Authorities from the police, education and health departments have launched investigations into the incident.
Several mediation sessions have reportedly been held between the family and organisers, but no agreement has yet been reached regarding liability or compensation.
