71-year-old hero saves man from drowning in Anhui …
A 71-year-old woman in China has been praised for her extraordinary courage after rescuing a drowning man who had jumped into a river during an apparent suicide attempt. The remarkable incident, which took place in Suixi County in Anhui Province, has attracted widespread attention after authorities identified the elderly rescuer through CCTV footage.
According to local reports, the incident occurred on July 13, when a man in his 30s jumped from a bridge into the river after reportedly struggling with family-related problems. Witnesses nearby quickly realized someone had fallen into the water, creating panic among those gathered at the scene.
Among the bystanders was Liu Defang, a 71-year-old retired woman who was talking with friends near the bridge. As soon as she heard people shouting that someone was in the river, she rushed toward the riverbank without hesitation. Grabbing a floating rescue aid, she immediately jumped into the water to reach the struggling man.
Liu later explained that she initially believed the person in the water was a child. However, after swimming closer, she discovered it was an adult man. Despite trying to rescue him, the man resisted because he reportedly did not want to be saved. Even so, Liu held onto him firmly and refused to let go.
The rescue proved extremely challenging. Battling strong currents and exhaustion, Liu spent nearly 20 minutes keeping the man afloat before managing to guide him toward the riverbank. Once they reached shallow water, two nearby individuals helped pull the man safely onto dry land.
After ensuring the man was safe, Liu quietly left the area without seeking recognition or praise. She later said she did not consider her actions extraordinary and chose not to tell her family because she did not want them to worry about the risks she had taken.
Police later searched the surrounding area using CCTV footage to identify the mystery rescuer. After the videos were shared online, Liu’s older brother recognized her and contacted authorities, bringing her inspiring story to public attention.
Liu Defang learned swimming after retirement and regularly practices yoga to stay active. Her bravery and quick response have earned admiration across China, with many people describing her as a true hero whose selfless actions saved a life when every second mattered.
