A HOTEL manager’s sudden death in his car Dec. 14 shocked his family and friends, who believed his death might be related to overtime work, the Southern Metropolis Daily reported yesterday.

    Li Tongping, 28, suddenly died in his car when he went to meet one of his friends, surnamed Ao, in Bao’an District on Dec. 14. Ao said that Li was parking his car when he passed out with his face down on the steering wheel and the car’s engine still running.

    Ao said Li’s breath and pulse had already stopped by the time an ambulance arrived. A report issued by the emergency medical team classified the case as “sudden death below 60 years old.”

    Li’s brother said that he believed Li’s death was related to his work. “He always worked until 1 or 2 a.m.,” his brother said.

    Li’s friend, surnamed Mi, said that Li had been busy and spared no effort in finishing his work. “He must have been too exhausted,” Mi said.

    Li reposted a news article to his WeChat Moments about a young man in Chengdu who had suffered a cerebral hemorrhage after working overtime at night, along with three emoji surprised faces, two days before his death. He also complained in a WeChat Moment that he had to standby 24 hours a day as a hotel manager.

    Li worked for a hotel chain in Shenzhen. The hotel chain’s regional manager for Shenzhen, surnamed Zhao, said Li’s working hours were from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and that Li was mainly responsible for soliciting clients.

    Li’s family had requested 1.3 million yuan (US$188,406) as compensation from the company after Li’s death, but was rejected by the company. (Zhang Yang)