Human remains were discovered on October 6 at a fruit orchard in Changhua County’s Baguashan area, shocking a man in his 50s who had gone there to make traditional offerings. The man found skeletal remains inside a small restroom on his property — and from the clothing, he realized with horror that the body belonged to his younger brother, who had been missing for 14 months. Overcome with grief, he immediately contacted the police.
Initial investigations ruled out foul play, though authorities said the exact cause and time of death remain under investigation.
According to reports, the deceased had once owned a successful shaved ice shop and was financially stable. However, he reportedly fell victim to a scam that left him over NT$10 million in debt. Feeling ashamed toward his wife and children and struggling with long-term illness, he left home in August 2024 and never returned. Despite the family’s efforts and multiple police reports, he remained missing for over a year.
On the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival, his brother went to the orchard to honor the local earth deity, only to discover the remains in the restroom — a spot the family had previously overlooked during their searches. Police believe the man had been dead for more than six months.
Changhua County Councilor Chang Hsueh-ju said the family had been financially devastated by the scam and could not afford funeral expenses. The “Happy Heaven Foundation” has since stepped in to fully cover the burial costs, ensuring the deceased will be laid to rest with dignity.
