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A tragic incident involving Chinese livestreamer Min Ge, known online as “Min Ge Travels the World,” has drawn attention to safety risks in extreme environments. On November 28, it was reported that Min Ge died in Genhe City, Inner Mongolia, likely from carbon monoxide poisoning.
According to the local government of Aoluguya Township, Min Ge’s death occurred two days earlier. Preliminary investigations revealed that extreme cold temperatures may have prompted him to heat his vehicle, inadvertently producing toxic fumes in a confined space. The victim’s daughter, identified as Xiao Zeng, confirmed the death was an accident and shared her heartbreak. She recounted disbelief upon receiving the news from local police, only to later accept the tragic reality.
Min Ge, whose real name was Zeng, was a 57-year-old farmer from Fujian Province. He gained popularity on Douyin through livestreams showcasing his solo road trips across China. His journey to Genhe, dubbed “China’s Cold Pole,” aimed to showcase the region’s breathtaking snowy landscapes, where winter temperatures can plummet to -48.4°C.
Min Ge joined nearly 80 other livestreamers in Genhe’s outdoor livestreaming hub, where content creators rent tents and compete for audience attention by braving the extreme cold. Despite the risks, streamers often maintain near-continuous livestreams to attract viewers and maintain engagement.
On the night of November 25, temperatures in Genhe reportedly dropped to -20°C. To combat the cold, Min Ge placed burning charcoal in his car to generate warmth, but he left the windows closed, causing carbon monoxide buildup. He was later found unresponsive.
Min Ge’s sudden death has sparked widespread debate online. Many netizens expressed condolences while also criticizing the lengths some influencers go to for views and engagement. One user commented, “Livestreaming has changed lives, but it should not come at the cost of life.” Another urged livestreaming platforms to implement stricter safety guidelines, particularly for activities in harsh conditions.
Others were more critical, highlighting Min Ge’s lack of preparation for such extreme environments. “As a 57-year-old from Fujian, he wasn’t equipped to handle such cold weather. It was reckless to attempt this without adequate safety measures,” another netizen remarked.
