Imagine landing your dream exchange program in a foreign country, only to find yourself fighting for your life. That’s what happened to 23-year-old Alex Shorey, an Aussie student who was studying in Taiwan.
But his nightmare wasn’t due to the unfamiliar surroundings or cultural shock – it was because someone he trusted was slowly poisoning him.
A Toxic Friendship
Alex had befriended a Taiwanese national, Yang Ping, while studying at Tamkang University in Taipei. But when he decided to cut his trip short and return home, Ms Ping allegedly became upset and took drastic measures to keep him in Taiwan.
Prosecutors claim that Ms Ping repeatedly poisoned Alex with rat poison over several months, from March 2023, to prevent him from leaving the country and ensure he remained in her care. The poison was mixed into his food and drinks, causing Alex to suffer from horrific symptoms, including stomach-aches, diarrhoea, nosebleeds, and blood in his urine.
A Desperate Situation
As Alex’s condition deteriorated, he was admitted to Taipei Medical University Hospital. But even then, Ms Ping allegedly continued to lace his food and drink with rat poison, worsening his condition further. It was a desperate situation, with Alex at constant risk of massive bleeding from various parts of his body.
A Family’s Concern
Out of concern for their son’s condition, Alex’s parents travelled to Taiwan, where his mother discovered an empty bottle of rat poison and alerted authorities. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office alleges that Ms Ping’s intent was to keep Alex ill and dependent on her care.
A Miracle Medical Evacuation
Thanks to the generosity of strangers, Alex’s family was able to crowdfund over $200,000 in just two days to cover the cost of his medical evacuation. Alex was flown back to Australia in May, where he received treatment in Brisbane. His father, Stephen Shorey, believes that the medical repatriation saved his son’s life.
A Family’s Gratitude
The Shorey family has expressed their immense gratitude to those who donated to their son’s cause. “The kindness shown to us, and all the messages left on this (crowdfunding) page for Alex, helped more than you can imagine. We feel so blessed to have Alex home,” they said.
As the investigation continues in Taiwan, the Shorey family has declined to comment further, not wanting to jeopardise the police investigation. But one thing is clear – Alex’s story is a chilling reminder of the dangers that can lurk in the shadows of a foreign land, and the importance of staying vigilant and seeking help when needed.