Tainan Tragedy: Autopsy Reveals Viral Infection, Not Poisoning, in Student's Death

Investigation Clears Bullying Allegations, Focuses on Underlying Health Condition

Taipei, April 24 - A heartbreaking case in Tainan, Taiwan, has taken a significant turn as an autopsy into the death of a 13-year-old boy in February reveals a viral infection, rather than poisoning, as the cause of death. The announcement, made by Tainan prosecutors on Thursday, clarifies the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

The Tainan District Prosecutors Office stated that the autopsy and toxicology report, conducted by the Ministry of Justice's Institute of Forensic Medicine, found no evidence of drugs or toxins in the boy's hair, blood, and urine samples. The boy's death was attributed to myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart, and subsequent heart failure, both stemming from a viral infection.

The autopsy results were presented to the boy's family, who have requested further investigation. The prosecutors' office has pledged to thoroughly investigate any potential illegal activities associated with the case.

Simultaneously, the Tainan Bureau of Education released a statement on Thursday evening. An external investigation, involving a committee of special education teachers, psychologists, and lawyers, found no evidence of bullying. This investigation, based on evidence and witness interviews, was completed on April 8 and shared with parents on April 14.

The case garnered public attention on February 27 when the boy's mother shared her grief on Facebook, stating her son, a seventh-grader at Houbi Junior High School surnamed Lin (林), had passed away on February 24. She also mentioned a hospital blood test had shown “signs of poisoning from a toxic substance.”

The mother also alleged that the boy was subjected to bullying and that classmates allegedly force-fed him drug-laced coffee powder. The school’s principal confirmed the student’s absence from school since February 20 due to illness and shared condolences for the loss of the young student.

The Education Bureau further stated that drug tests were administered to all 164 students at the school on March 10, with parental consent. The results were all negative.