Sudden Death of German Ambassador Just Two Weeks After Appointment During the Week... Why?

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The German ambassador to China, Jan Hecker (54), who took office last month, has passed away, the German Foreign Ministry announced on the 6th.

According to foreign media including DPA, the German Foreign Ministry confirmed his death in a statement on the same day, saying, "We are very saddened to hear the sudden passing of Ambassador Hecker."

The Foreign Ministry did not disclose detailed information about the circumstances of Ambassador Hecker's death. Accordingly, Deputy Ambassador Frank R?ckert is expected to act as charg? d'affaires.

Ambassador Hecker, originally from the northern German city of Kiel, worked as a lawyer, judge, and university lecturer before serving as a foreign policy advisor to Chancellor Angela Merkel. He was appointed ambassador to China and took office last month.

He is survived by his wife and three children.