Additional Coverage:
- Paranormal creator Jiang Xiaorou, 24, dies in car crash after destroying ‘cursed’ statue (irishstar.com)
A popular social media influencer, Jiang Xiaorou, has died at the age of 24, just weeks after she destroyed a statue believed by some to be cursed. In August 2025, Jiang gained widespread attention for demolishing a statue of Guanyin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, an act she shared in a video online.
In the footage, Jiang explained that she was conducting an experiment to see what consequences might follow, saying, “Let’s see how long I can live” as she smashed the clay statue. The video sparked significant backlash from viewers, many of whom called her actions disrespectful.
Following her death, which occurred on August 10 due to injuries sustained in a car accident, some social media users linked her passing to the earlier incident with the statue. Jiang was traveling from Guangxi to Guangzhou when her vehicle collided with another car.
She was hospitalized at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital but ultimately succumbed to her injuries. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash.
Jiang was a well-known figure on Douyin, China’s equivalent to TikTok, boasting over one million followers. Her content often explored the paranormal and abandoned places, reflecting her interest in the supernatural. Her last video, posted on July 9, featured her calling numbers suggested by her followers.
In response to the speculation surrounding Jiang’s death, her family issued a statement requesting respect for the facts and asking the public to avoid spreading unverified information or invading their privacy. They urged those wishing to express condolences to do so quietly, allowing Jiang to be remembered with dignity.
“Thank you again for your support of Jiang Xiaorou. May she rest in peace, and please allow her friends the necessary privacy,” the statement concluded.