A tragic accident on Taiwan’s New Taipei City Highway 64 has claimed the life of a 25-year-old student and military alternate service member surnamed Wen. The young man, a dual-degree graduate from a top national university, was reportedly left on the road by a taxi driver and subsequently struck by four vehicles, leaving his body unrecognizable.
The taxi driver claimed Wen had been intoxicated and acting disruptively in the vehicle, prompting him to ask Wen to leave for his own safety. However, police investigations have raised serious doubts about this account. Audio recordings from the taxi indicate Wen remained silent throughout the 12-minute ride, with no signs of an altercation as claimed by the driver, suggesting Wen may have been forcibly removed from the vehicle.
Authorities have reclassified the case as a major criminal investigation and are reviewing nearby traffic cameras to reconstruct the events.
Wen was set to complete his military service in February. Classmates described him as small in stature but warm, helpful, and non-confrontational. He had recently met friends for a gathering and was reportedly looking forward to the future, including career opportunities after graduation.
Former university professors also mourned Wen on social media, highlighting his academic excellence, initiative, and involvement in research teams. He had been the first student to volunteer in a research lab, actively participating in experiments, recruitment, and promotion.
Beyond journalism, he had taken courses in business management, interned with a global skincare brand, and contributed to large university events and international exchanges. Teachers and colleagues remembered him as diligent, cheerful, and dependable, leaving a lasting impression on everyone around him.
The sudden loss has left the academic and local community in shock, with mentors and peers expressing their grief and hoping Wen finds peace.
