Factory worker dies after losing Apple prototype

In a very tragic turn of events, a young man employed by Foxconn, providers of electronics to Apple, has leapt to his death following an investigation into the loss of a prototype iPhone. Its believed that the pressure of the investigation caused Yong Sun Dan to leap from his apartment building on July 16th. Yong Sun Dan was in charge of transporting prototype iPhones between the Foxconn plant in Shanzen and Apple in the US. He had a pack of 16 iPhones to transport and when one went missing he was put under investigation. There are rumours that the methods employed by Foxconn were heavy handed and the term ‘beatings’ is being bandied about the web.

We’re all acutely aware of how seriously Apple takes privacy and the great lengths that are taken to keep new product leaks to a minimum but there should never be an incident where a young man feels the need to take his own life. Apple has since issued a statement a spokeswoman, Kristin Huguet, told CNET:

“We are saddened by the tragic loss of this young employee, and we are awaiting results of the investigations into his death.  We require our suppliers to treat all workers with dignity and respect.”

Hopefully, this death will highlight to both parties that the amount of pressure they exert on individuals is too high and that no prototype is worth the life of an employee.