NEW TAIPEI, Taiwan – Chiung Yao (瓊瑤), the legendary Taiwanese romance novelist known for her works that captivated millions, was found dead in her home on Wednesday, following a suicide at the age of 86. Local authorities reported that Chiung Yao’s passing occurred at her residence in Tamsui District, New Taipei.
The Discovery and Investigation
According to local police, they received a suicide report at 1:22 p.m. and responded immediately. Upon arrival, officers found Chiung Yao with no signs of life. There were no indications of foul play, and authorities confirmed that the cause of death was suicide.
Prosecutors reported that Chiung Yao had been discovered by a family employee. In addition to her death, a suicide note was found addressed to her son, as well as a public message shared on her Facebook page. The heartfelt Facebook post was written by Chiung Yao herself, where she detailed her decision to take her own life and explained her reasons behind it.
Chiung Yao’s Final Message: A Desire to Control Her Fate
In the post, Chiung Yao expressed a desire to take control of her final moments, stating that she had chosen to pass away on her own terms rather than enduring a slow, painful decline. She described the physical deterioration, medical treatments, and the inevitable suffering that often accompany aging as reasons she wanted to avoid.
“I have witnessed such misery before, and I do not want that kind of ‘death,'” she wrote. Chiung Yao also urged her followers not to mourn her passing, reassuring them that she had “gracefully” left the world.
Chiung Yao’s Legacy as a Literary Icon
Chiung Yao, born Chen Che (陳喆) in Chengdu, China, was one of the most celebrated romance writers in Chinese-speaking regions. Over the course of her illustrious career, she authored more than 70 novels, many of which were adapted into popular television dramas and films.
Her works, including “Outside the Window,” “The Young Ones,” and “My Fair Princess,” are beloved by fans and remain iconic in the romance genre. Her literary influence spanned across the 1970s to the 1990s, and she is regarded as a pioneer in Chinese-language romance fiction.
Tributes from Celebrities and Fans
Following Chiung Yao’s passing, many of the actors who became famous through her TV drama adaptations paid their respects. Alec Su (蘇有朋), a Taiwanese actor who played Prince Yongqi in My Fair Princess, shared his deep gratitude for having worked with the novelist. “I feel fortunate to have portrayed a character from Chiung Yao’s stories,” he wrote on Weibo.
Chinese actor Huang Xiaoming (黃曉明), who starred in My Fair Princess III, also expressed his sorrow, stating, “Chiung Yao’s works have illuminated the youth of generations, teaching us how to love, cherish, and face the challenges and difficulties in life.”
Chiung Yao’s Personal Life and Marriage
Chiung Yao’s husband, Ping Hsin-tao (平鑫濤), the founder of Crown Magazine, passed away in 2019 at the age of 92. The couple shared a long and enduring relationship, and Ping Hsin-tao was supportive of Chiung Yao’s literary career.
Raising Awareness for Mental Health
Chiung Yao’s tragic passing serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health, particularly in the elderly population. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help immediately. In Taiwan, individuals can call the 1925, 1995, or 1980 hotlines for support.
Summary of Chiung Yao’s Life and Legacy
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chen Che (陳喆) |
| Pen Name | Chiung Yao (瓊瑤) |
| Born | 1937, Chengdu, China |
| Main Works | My Fair Princess, The Young Ones, Outside the Window |
| Notable Adaptations | TV dramas and films based on her novels |
| Legacy | Iconic romance novelist in the Chinese-speaking world |
| Cause of Death | Suicide, aged 86 |
| Final Message | Reassurance to her followers, explanation of her choice to end her life |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who was Chiung Yao?
A: Chiung Yao was a celebrated Taiwanese romance novelist, known for her iconic works that were adapted into popular TV dramas and films. She is considered one of the most influential romance writers in Chinese-speaking regions.
Q: Why did Chiung Yao choose to end her life?
A: Chiung Yao explained in her final public message that she chose to take her own life to avoid the pain of aging, medical treatments, and the slow decline often seen in old age. She wanted to die on her own terms.
Q: What were some of Chiung Yao’s famous works?
A: Some of Chiung Yao’s most famous works include “My Fair Princess,” “Outside the Window,” and “The Young Ones,” all of which were adapted into highly successful TV dramas and films.
Q: How did celebrities respond to Chiung Yao’s death?
A: Celebrities, including actors Alec Su and Huang Xiaoming, paid tribute to Chiung Yao, expressing gratitude for her influence on their careers and the generations who grew up with her stories.
Q: How can I get help if I’m experiencing suicidal thoughts?
A: If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help immediately. In Taiwan, you can call the 1925, 1995, or 1980 hotlines for immediate support.
