Taiwan's 'Modern Robinson Crusoe' Vanishes Amidst Flood of Donations

A 75-year-old man, who had been living a solitary life by the Dadu River in Changhua County for two and a half years, has vanished. Dubbed the "Taiwanese Robinson Crusoe," he survived by collecting snails, clams, and wild vegetables, living in his small truck without access to water or electricity.

News of his plight led to a surge of public generosity, with donations of bottled water, food, and even cash arriving over the past two weeks. Local councilor Lai Ching-mei visited the site and found the man's usual spot empty, replaced by piles of donated goods.

While the man had previously expressed a desire for solitude and refused offers of housing or assistance from relatives, authorities have now made contact with his family. They are working to determine whether he has accepted help to find housing or if he intends to continue his unconventional lifestyle by the river.