Two-Year-Old Lives Alone For Days On Junk Food After Mother Death In China

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A devastating incident occurred in China where a toddler was forced to survive alone for several days after his 28-year-old mother died unexpectedly at home, according to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP). The two-year-old boy sustained himself by consuming jellies, snacks, and whatever edible items he could find in his mother's cramped 10-square-metre bedroom.

The tragic event, which took place in Cangnan county, Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, has generated significant emotional responses and concern across Chinese social media platforms.

The situation was discovered when a concerned friend contacted authorities after failing to reach the young mother, identified as Zheng Yu. Upon investigation, police discovered her deceased body in her cluttered residence.

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The child, known as Mianmian, was found wearing soiled clothing and a dirty diaper in a loft room. Following his rescue by police, a compassionate neighbor immediately bathed him and provided him with a freshly prepared meal. Medical professionals later confirmed that the boy had fortunately not suffered any physical harm despite his ordeal.

Zheng's life was marked by numerous challenges. Local social media revealed she experienced health difficulties, having shared videos of herself receiving medical injections and posting about problems related to her blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Both her parents lived with intellectual disabilities, resulting in Zheng and her sister being raised by their grandmother.

While the exact cause of her death remains unconfirmed, family members believe she succumbed to a sudden illness.

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Reports indicate that Zheng had three children from different relationships. Her two older children are currently being raised by their respective fathers.

Zheng met Mianmian's father online, but their relationship ended shortly after the boy's birth in 2023. They never formally registered their marriage, and Zheng eventually blocked him online, with their final communication occurring in February.

"She wasn't allowed to raise her previous children, so she became very attached to this youngest son. She said she would rely on him for support in her old age," stated Chen Lin, one of her relatives. "She even threatened suicide to fight for custody." Chen firmly believes that Zheng "would not have abandoned the child to do something foolish."

Mianmian is now being cared for by his biological father.