Press "PandaGuides" above to follow us!
In late October, 43-year-old Sha Bai, a Shanghai-based TOEFL teacher, ended her life in Switzerland through euthanasia after a battle with lupus and kidney failure. The move, marked by a countdown series on her social media, sparked heated discussions online, with commentators divided over her decision and the ethics of euthanasia.
As public scrutiny mounted, her father, Mr. Zheng, a retired high school math teacher, urged for respect and a cessation of comments, hoping for a peaceful life for himself and his wife, both deeply affected by their daughter's passing.
On October 16, Sha Bai began a countdown on her social media, labeling it as her “journey to Switzerland.” Each post hinted at her decision to end her life, and on October 24, her final day, she reportedly passed away "peacefully," as confirmed by her father. This disclosure led to a whirlwind of reactions on social media, with many debating her choice, sympathizing with her suffering, or condemning euthanasia as an act of selfishness.
The online storm prompted Phoenix News reporters to explore Sha Bai's life in Shanghai. They visited her former workplace, the jazz bar she frequented, her father’s suburban neighborhood, and spoke to neighbors, friends, and colleagues who knew her well.
Returning from Switzerland, Mr. Zheng reflected on his daughter's decision and the public uproar that followed. Speaking softly, he acknowledged the pain they shared: “When she mentioned Switzerland, I knew it was her only option. She told me, ‘If you don’t come, I will still go.’ So I accompanied her, thinking that at least she wouldn’t be alone on the journey.”
The intensity of public backlash took Mr. Zheng by surprise. “Our child is gone now. People say bad things, but what does it matter to me?” he said, grateful that Sha Bai’s mother, who avoids the internet, was shielded from the online vitriol. “Otherwise, she would be furious and heartbroken,” he added.
Appealing for compassion, he asked the public to cease their commentary, pointing out that their judgment only deepens his family’s suffering. “We’ve already endured so much pain. What purpose does hurting us further serve?” Mr. Zheng pleaded.
Sha Bai’s health challenges began over a decade ago. With lupus and kidney failure, her life involved frequent dialysis sessions. Her father shared that despite his encouragement to prioritize her health, she often dismissed his concerns. “It was her own life, her own decisions,” he said, recognizing that she was independent and resilient, yet worn down by years of treatment and pain.
Mr. Zheng confessed to being conflicted about her decision to travel to New Zealand for a trip she described as therapeutic. He worried it could worsen her condition, but Sha Bai lived independently and remained headstrong. “One can only care for life from within,” he remarked.
Sha Bai’s journey left a deep impact on those around her. Yang Ayi, a waste management worker and friend, recalled that she and Sha Bai bonded over their shared experiences with chronic illness in their families. Her son had battled kidney failure, which required dialysis, mirroring Sha Bai’s own struggles. “She would greet me warmly and ask about my son’s health,” Yang said, remembering her friend as “honest, capable, and unique.”
One of Sha Bai’s last conversations with Yang was particularly poignant. Yang recalled, “She told me, ‘I can’t take it anymore. I’m going to apply for something … a shot.’” Yang, who comes from a rural background, could not comprehend her friend’s choice. “I told her, ‘You’re an adult. Don’t be so cruel to your parents.’” Despite her shock, Yang felt a deep sadness when the news of Sha Bai’s passing was confirmed.
Another friend, a retired badminton partner of Mr. Zheng’s, shared his admiration for Sha Bai’s intelligence and talent. “She was a genius,” he said, recounting her skills in English, architecture, piano, and dance. Her ambition and determination left a lasting impression. He expressed his sorrow, stating, “Her father won’t be playing badminton for a while; this is a huge blow.”
In recent years, her parents had moved to the suburbs, leaving their apartment in central Shanghai for Sha Bai to establish her English language studio, Lighthouse. Staff members and students there remembered her as a passionate teacher. A former colleague noted, “She was dedicated to her work and her students.”
Andy, the manager of Heyday Jazz Bar, shared a final, bittersweet memory. Known for her love of jazz, Sha Bai frequented the bar with friends. On September 10, she made an unexpected request to perform a song with her friend - a rendition of City of Stars from La La Land. “She played the piano and sang beautifully,” Andy said. It was only later that he learned of her illness, which made her performance all the more moving.
The aftermath of Sha Bai’s decision stirred intense emotions online. Some criticized her as “selfish,” while others labeled her actions “promotional” for euthanasia organizations, spurring accusations of exploitation and unethical advertising.
Phoenix News spoke to a security guard from her residential complex who saw Mr. Zheng after he returned from Switzerland. The guard chose to show respect from a distance, saying, “I waved, but he only nodded in response.” He added, “The internet’s noise has been tough on him.”
Despite the noise, Mr. Zheng and his wife continue to live quietly in the suburbs, their routines limited to essential outings. Mr. Zheng said, “We’re just two old people trying to get by.”
For those who question his family’s decisions, Mr. Zheng said simply, “I ask you not to comment. Let us live in peace.”
When asked if he had any advice for the younger generation, Mr. Zheng emphasized the importance of health and family. “Nothing is as precious as life,” he said. “Money comes and goes. With good health, everything else is secondary. Stay healthy, and stay close to your loved ones.”
As Mr. Zheng and his wife move forward, he remains resolute in his call for compassion and respect for their privacy. “Our daughter is gone, and we must find our own peace now. For everyone else, please let us heal.”
Source: Phoenix News
38-year-old woman’s marriage requirements stir debate online
Chinese woman chooses African partner, left broke after cancer
Chinese man shares photos with German girlfriend, gets bullied
Foreign woman fined for dating on tourist visa in China
Chinese man marries African girl 12 years his junior for ¥9,000
My friend chose to end her life in Zurich on October 24, 2024
