China's "Millennium Baby" Qianqian passes away at 25 from sudden cardiac death

The tragic passing of Qianqian, known as China's "Millennium Baby," has captured national attention after her mother shared an emotional obituary on social media.

The 25-year-old, who was born precisely at midnight on January 1, 2000, passed away unexpectedly due to sudden cardiac death (SCD), a condition that claimed her life without warning, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Qianqian's mother, a teacher, posted a touching tribute on her social media account, along with a newspaper clipping from the time of her daughter's birth. The report detailed that Qianqian arrived at exactly 11:59 pm on New Year’s Eve, as the world was counting down to the new millennium, making her the iconic "Millennium Baby." Her mother named her "Qianqian," with "Qian" symbolizing "millennium" in Chinese.

The cause of Qianqian's death was identified as sudden cardiac arrest, a rare and unpredictable medical emergency that can lead to death in an instant. According to medical experts, SCD is often triggered by underlying heart conditions, intense physical exertion, or the side effects of certain medications.

Yin Yiqi, a first aid instructor for the American Heart Association Heartsaver Program, explained that SCD is not uncommon and can strike unexpectedly, even in otherwise healthy individuals. "It’s like a hidden bomb that can take lives without any forewarning," said Yin.

Experts advise people to adopt healthy lifestyles, maintain regular routines, and gain a basic understanding of first aid and health management. Yin emphasized the importance of learning essential life-saving skills, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an automated external defibrillator (AED), which can increase the chances of survival for someone suffering from SCD.

In response to growing concerns, the Red Cross Society of China has expanded the availability of AEDs, installing more than 64,000 devices in key public spaces by 2024. This significant increase from just 11,000 in May 2021 highlights the country’s efforts to improve access to life-saving medical equipment and training.

 By Vugar Khalilov