Fact Check: Zhang died despite colleagues' efforts to rescue him

Fact Check: "Zhang died despite colleagues' efforts to rescue him"

What We Know

The claim revolves around the tragic death of Zhang Zhijie, a 17-year-old Chinese badminton player who collapsed during a match in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Reports indicate that Zhang suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while competing against Kazuma Kawano of Japan. After collapsing, there was a significant delay of approximately 40 seconds before medical personnel were allowed to attend to him, which has led to widespread criticism regarding the emergency response protocols in place at the event (BBC, Reuters). Despite the efforts of his colleagues and medical teams, Zhang was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital (BBC).

Analysis

The claim that "Zhang died despite colleagues' efforts to rescue him" is substantiated by multiple sources. The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many questioning whether quicker medical intervention could have saved his life. A spokesperson from Indonesia's badminton association indicated that medical teams were required to wait for the referee's permission before entering the court, which contributed to the delay in treatment (BBC). This procedural rule has been criticized as potentially life-threatening, as highlighted by comments from users on Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform, who emphasized the importance of prioritizing life over adherence to rules (BBC).

The reliability of the sources is strong, as they include reputable news organizations like the BBC and Reuters, which are known for their journalistic integrity. The information is corroborated by eyewitness accounts and official statements from the badminton association, lending credibility to the narrative that Zhang's death was preventable had there been a more immediate response (BBC, Reuters).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "Zhang died despite colleagues' efforts to rescue him" is true, as confirmed by multiple credible sources. The delay in medical response, due to procedural rules, has been a focal point of criticism, suggesting that more immediate action could have potentially saved his life. The outcry following his death underscores the need for a reevaluation of emergency protocols in sports to prioritize athlete safety.