A Chinese man dies from Euro 2012 overdose
A young Chinese man from Changsha dies after 11 nights without sleep, determined to follow every Euro 2012 match live as it unfolds in Poland and Ukraine.
A young Chinese man from Changsha dies after 11 nights without sleep, determined to follow every Euro 2012 match live as it unfolds in Poland and Ukraine.
As English-speaking expatriates, it's difficult for us to follow most of the Euro 2012 matches that kick off at 2:45 a.m., time difference permitting... This didn't stop Jiang Xiaoshan, a young Chinese man from Changsha, from staying up every night with his friends to watch the matches broadcast on Chinese television, while still going to work during the day. In total, he watched 21 Euro matches live, equivalent to 1,890 minutes of football. The match between Italy and Ireland on Tuesday proved fatal to him.
After the famous goal by Mario Balotelli, the 26-year-old man returned home at 5 a.m., took a quick shower and fell into a sleep... from which he would never awaken. This news was obviously a shock to his friends who describe him as a healthy, athletic person who particularly loved football. It must be said that the alcohol and tobacco regimen intended to keep him awake did not mix well, inevitably leading him off the field for good.
This type of news story is unfortunately common in Asia, particularly in South Korea where professional gaming is a national sport. Some players have died after spending several consecutive days in front of their screens, prompting the South Korean government to adopt laws aimed at controlling player addiction. Jiang Xiaoshan was a supporter of France and England in this competition. The poor man would never have the chance to see Didier Drogba play in the Chinese championship next season, a way of highlighting the growing popular enthusiasm for football in Chine.
Frequently asked questions
Jiang Xiaoshan was a 26-year-old Chinese man from Changsha. He died in June 2012 after watching 21 Euro 2012 matches live, spanning 11 consecutive nights without sleep. He also maintained an alcohol and tobacco regimen to stay awake, which contributed to his death.
Jiang Xiaoshan watched 21 Euro 2012 matches live, representing 1,890 minutes of football. He spent his nights watching matches broadcast on Chinese television, then went to work the next morning.
According to medical experts, sleep deprivation becomes dangerous to health after 24 consecutive hours without sleep. Beyond 72 hours, the risks of hallucinations, heart failure, and death increase significantly. Jiang Xiaoshan accumulated 11 nights of sleep deprivation, which constitutes an extremely dangerous period.
This type of news story is unfortunately recurring in Asia. In South Korea in particular, several professional video game players have died after gaming sessions lasting several consecutive days. The South Korean government has since adopted laws aimed at limiting screen addiction.
The last match watched by Jiang Xiaoshan was Italy versus Ireland at Euro 2012. After the famous goal by Mario Balotelli, he returned home at 5 a.m., took a shower, and fell asleep, never to wake again.
