In order to rescue a seventy-year-old man who fell into the water, college student Gao Zhengzhi jumped into the turbulent current. After successfully rescuing the old man and exhausting all his strength, unfortunately, Gao Zhengzhi drowned and died at only twenty-one years of age. His parents, unable to bear the shock of losing their only son, fell ill and were just discharged from the hospital recently.
Gao Zhengzhi's classmates and teachers also deeply grieved and were shocked by the news. This seemingly ordinary big boy, in the critical moment when someone else's life was in danger, dared to lend a helping hand. His actions have already made him extraordinary, as his roommate said, "Not everyone can make such a heroic move!"
□ Correspondent Ling Lin, Chen Xuehua, Fast Reporter Zhang Min
Rescued a seventy-year-old man,
21-year-old college student drowned
At around eleven o'clock in the morning on August 14th, Gao Zhengzhi, a 2010-level student from the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Department of Changzhou Textile and Garment Vocational and Technical College, while passing through Group One of Zhangba Village, Chenqiao Town, Jinhu County, Huai'an, his hometown, discovered that an elderly man had fallen into the Hongjin irrigation channel beside the village. Due to the gate being opened for irrigation at the time, the water level was very deep, and the situation was extremely urgent.
Without hesitation, Gao Zhengzhi jumped into the rushing water to save the person. After a great deal of effort, the elderly man was saved, but at this point, Zhengzhi had exhausted all his strength and was unable to save himself, ultimately drowning tragically.
The rescued elderly man was named Gao Mulin and was seventy years old. He lived in the same village as Zhengzhi, near Zhengzhi’s home. Upon learning that Zhengzhi had perished while saving his father, Gao Mulin's son rushed to the scene and cried loudly.
According to Zhengzhi's uncle, Zhengzhi had always been a sensible child since he was young, "He often helped his parents with housework and farm work, and the villagers liked him very much." The neighbors expressed deep regret over Zhengzhi's misfortune.
The Only Son's Death
Parents Overwhelmed with Sorrow Fall Ill
Upon hearing about their son's accident, Zhengzhi's parents were overwhelmed with grief. "That kind of mood and sorrow is indescribable; they completely broke down," Mr. Gao, Zhengzhi's uncle, told reporters. In the days following the incident, Zhengzhi's parents neither ate nor drank, "They cried until their voices became hoarse. The doctor came to their home specifically to give them intravenous fluids. When it was time for the cremation, the doctor was present throughout to ensure they wouldn't collapse again due to excessive sorrow."
According to Mr. Gao, Zhengzhi's parents are both in their forties, farmers by origin, and the family has always been poor, making it difficult to support Zhengzhi's education.
Zhengzhi was the only son in the family and would enter his second year of university after the summer vacation. "He was almost ready to start working and supporting the family, and we never expected him to suddenly be gone..." Mr. Gao said. After the incident, Zhengzhi's parents' mental states remained unstable. Relatives tried to console them, but to no avail. Zhengzhi's mother cried out, "Even if you gave me mountains of gold and silver, I don't want them; I just want my son!"
Around August 22nd, both Zhengzhi's parents were hospitalized and received some psychological treatment, and they were just discharged and returned home these past few days.
Teachers and Classmates Shocked
Unable to Believe Zhengzhi's Departure
After hearing the news, teachers and classmates far away in Changzhou all expressed disbelief. "We were very shocked; at first, we thought it was just a joke, but after confirming it by phone, we felt very sad," said Xian Qiwei, who lived above Zhengzhi in the dormitory. Xian Qiwei and Zhengzhi were from the same hometown and had been classmates since high school, "I've known him for four years, and we've always had a good relationship. I never expected him to suddenly be gone."
Zhengzhi studied mechatronics at the Textile and Garment Vocational and Technical College and entered the school through a single recruitment exam. According to his homeroom teacher, Ms. Jiang, Zhengzhi attended classes on time, didn't arrive late or leave early, and was an ordinary college student. "So this time, we were very shocked; we didn't expect him to be so brave."
According to another classmate in the same dormitory, Song Kai, although Zhengzhi didn't have any grand deeds, in everyday small matters, Zhengzhi showed his enthusiasm. "For example, helping us fetch hot water or bringing boxed meals, he never complained."
After hearing about Zhengzhi's accident, Song Kai initially felt very surprised, "I couldn't believe it. After confirmation, I admired him greatly. Not everyone can make such a heroic move!" Song Kai said.
Afterward, Homeroom Teacher Jiang brought the students to Zhengzhi's hometown to visit his parents. "I told the students in the class that in the future, we should often call Zhengzhi's parents to offer condolences and help them more."
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