Chen Cuiju, 49, who grew up in a poor rural family in Guizhou province, southeastern China, was mistakenly declared dead after falling into a coma and was nearly cremated. In 1995, at age 18, Chen moved to Dongguan, Guangdong province, to work in a factory. The harsh working conditions and long hours left her severely malnourished.

One day, while suffering from a fever and walking alone by a river, Chen collapsed and lost consciousness, according to the Guizhou Metropolitan Daily. Covered in dirt and barely breathing, she was mistaken for an unidentified corpse due to the absence of identification documents and was taken to a funeral home.

In July 1995, as a crematorium worker surnamed He prepared to cremate her, he noticed a slight movement in her foot. Realizing she was still alive, he alerted the police and rushed Chen to the hospital. Doctors reportedly diagnosed her with severe malnutrition, dehydration, and multiple organ failure.

Despite having no identification, money, or relatives nearby, the hospital continued her treatment and covered her medical expenses. Chen has since rebuilt her life and become an adept painter.

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