Cover image via Weibo
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
On 4 September, a 38-year-old man drowned while swimming in a reservoir with two companions in Sichuan, China
However, instead of alerting emergency services or the police, the two men made the baffling decision to transport the body home themselves.
CCTV footage captured the surreal journey, showing the two men on a motorcycle with the deceased sandwiched between them.
The pillion rider can be seen supporting the victim's neck, propping him upright to avoid suspicion.
According to South China Morning Post, upon arriving at the house, they tucked the victim into bed as if he were merely sleeping and left without a word.
It took three days for the family to realise the man was dead, by which time the CCTV footage at the reservoir had been overwritten
The victim's sister told local media that the friends had even come across family members during those three days but chose to remain silent about the tragedy.
Authorities have since ruled out foul play, meaning the pair will not face criminal charges for their actions
However, a lawyer noted that while there is no "duty to rescue" in Chinese law, the family could still sue for civil damages.
One of the men, Tao, admitted they were wrong to sneak the body back and has offered 80,000 yuan (RM46,600) to help cover funeral costs.
As the legal case unfolds, netizens are debating how the family went days without noticing the man had died.
