Tainan Police Officer Killed in Accident; Family Plans 'Ghost Marriage'

The tragic death of Tainan police officer Cheng Yung-hsin, who was killed in a traffic accident at the age of 29, has deeply saddened the community and her colleagues. While on duty, she was struck by a scooter and subsequently run over by a tour bus. The incident has garnered significant attention, with even local celebrities expressing their grief.

In a poignant development, Cheng's fiancé, identified by the surname Long, is listed as 'fiancé' on her obituary. Her family, with the consent of the fiancé's family, plans to proceed with a 'ghost marriage' (minghun), a traditional ritual where a living person marries a deceased one. This practice is often carried out to appease the spirit of the deceased or to fulfill familial obligations.

Folk expert Liao Ta-yi has offered guidance on the customary practices and considerations surrounding ghost marriages. He stressed the importance of respecting the deceased's wishes, advising that Cheng's consent should be sought through divination before the ceremony. Furthermore, if the fiancé agrees to the ghost marriage, he must not renege on his commitment, as doing so could negatively impact his future fortune. Liao also noted that traditionally, if the male partner later wishes to remarry, he must first obtain the deceased wife's consent and ensure the new wife acknowledges the deceased as the primary wife, showing due respect.