# sudden death

A Young Programmer’s Sudden Death Puts China’s Tech Overtime Culture Under the Microscope

A 32-year-old manager at Shiyuan, Gao Guanghui, collapsed and died suddenly at home in late November. His widow says chronic overwork, a heavy workload after a transfer, and a company culture that rewarded long hours are key parts of the context; the employer has paid RMB390,000 but denies legal responsibility. The case highlights broader concerns about occupational health, overtime norms and employer accountability in China’s technology sector.