Swam 40 Meters With Owner to Save a Man
Passed Away a Week Later Due to Weakness... Netizens Mourn
A white horse that gained attention for rescuing a man who fell into a river with his owner in China reportedly died a few days later.
On the 15th, local Chinese media such as the South China Morning Post (SCMP) and Jimu News reported that a white horse named Bailong (白龍), who saved a man in Hubei Province on the 4th, died on the 11th, just a week after the incident.
At the time, a man fell under a bridge in Xiantao City, and Ilibayi, who was training horses by the river, immediately jumped into the river with his horse upon witnessing the accident.
Ilibayi rode the white horse into the river, swam more than 40 meters, approached the man who had fallen into the water, and pulled him out with one hand holding the reins and the other pulling the man.
The heroic actions of Ilibayi and the man became widely known as videos spread on social networking services (SNS). Bailong was 7 years old this year, and his name means "White Dragon."
However, Bailong, who had never been in cold water before, became weak after developing a high fever due to hypothermia. Diagnosed with intestinal obstruction, Bailong was prescribed medication to reduce inflammation and build strength but ultimately did not recover and passed away.
Netizens mourned Bailong with comments such as "So sad and heartbreaking" and "Bailong's courage and spirit will be eternal." It was also reported that the man rescued by Bailong feels guilty.
In response, the Chinese government is considering erecting a statue of the horse near the river to honor Bailong's bravery. Additionally, some businessmen have contacted Ilibayi expressing a desire to gift him another white horse.
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