Foxconn Worker Reportedly Commits Suicide After Losing iPhone Prototype

According to ND Daily via AppleInsider, a 25-year-old Foxconn employee reportedly committed suicide after losing one of 16 prototype iPhones that he was responsible for. The man, Sun Danyong, reported the missing phone to his boss, and on that same day he was apparently detained and held in solitary confinement.  There have been some reports that have stated the during his confinement and investigation, he was physically abused by the guards.  His apartment was also illegally searched by three Foxconn employees that same day. According to surveillance videos in the apartment building, early the next morning Sun Danyong jumped out of a 12 story window in his apartment building to his death. Officials from Foxconn issued a statement, which included an apology.

According to Shanghaiist, the section chief of the Central Security division "may have used 'inappropriate interrogation methods' such as searching Sun's house, holding Sun in solitary confinement and possibly beatings." In addition, a Foxconn spokesperson reportedly said the incident is an example of the company's "internal management deficiencies."

The Foxconn section chief has been suspended without pay. CNET now reports that Apple has issued a statement:

"We are saddened by the tragic loss of this young employee and we are awaiting results of the investigations into his death," Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet told CNET on Tuesday. "We require our suppliers to treat all workers with dignity and respect."

A lot can be said about Apple's over-the-top secrecy, and about Chinese business practices in general, but since there is very little solid information at this point, we will not even begin to speculate.

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