Man fakes his death, flees during his own funeral to avoid jail

A man in China staged his own death to avoid a prison sentence after a drunk-driving arrest, allegedly enlisting family members to organise a sham funeral and slipping away while the coffin was lowered into the grave.

The incident occurred in Hunan province, where the man had been stopped during a traffic check and detained for driving under the influence. Authorities determined this was his third offence: he had twice before been caught driving drunk and without a licence, and a third conviction would have resulted in imprisonment.

While released on bail and awaiting the conclusion of legal proceedings, he and relatives carried out an elaborate ruse. They bought a coffin and set up a scene to suggest a fatal overdose, scattering empty pill bottles around the home. The man reportedly practised holding his breath and used cooling devices to make his body feel cold to the touch.

Police flagged contradictions and evidence that exposed the deception

Neighbours later told police they had seen the body but that "his face was covered with a cloth." The funeral took place the same day, but as the coffin was being lowered into the grave the man was already travelling to neighbouring Yunnan province.

Investigators noted multiple suspicious facts: the coffin had been purchased before the supposed death, emergency services were not called and no official death certificate was issued. CCTV footage and bank records further showed the man was alive, prompting a manhunt.

He was ultimately arrested, sentenced to five months in prison and fined about $3,000. Separate criminal proceedings were opened against his mother and grandmother on suspicion they helped him fake his death and hide him from police.

Photo: press material from the event