Zhang Chun: Chinese fashion influencer found dead suddenly after ‘staying up too late’

Chinese fashion influencer Zhang Chun died suddenly at the age of 29 after suffering heart-related complications.

The social media star’s death was confirmed by her mother following her funeral in Shanghai on Monday.

“It was sudden, it was a sudden death,” his mother said, suggesting that Zhang had an underlying heart condition and his long-standing habit of staying up late may have contributed to his passing.

Zhang, known online as Ni De Du Kou, reportedly fell ill and was hospitalized in the early morning hours of January 1, but doctors were unable to save him.

Once dubbed the “Sneaker Goddess,” Zhang rose to fame in 2018 by sharing photos of carefully designed streetwear looks, pairing trendy outfits with eye-catching sneakers.

As a college student, his polished, clean-cut image helped him stand out in China’s fashion and streetwear scene and quickly attract a loyal following of more than one million fans.

He later turned to entertainment, appearing at hip-hop events and expanding his personal brand – but his career took a dramatic setback when the fashion label he founded collapsed, reportedly leaving him in significant debt.

Zhang was said to be struggling with depression following the failure of his business.

His public image further deteriorated after he joined an adult content platform in 2024 to pay off his debts; The move sparked backlash from fans and, according to reports, intense online harassment.

Last year, Zhang fell ill during a live broadcast, saying he contracted syphilis and developed serious skin ulcers on his arm, which greatly damaged his health.

Since then, fans on social media have expressed their sadness and tributes over the death of the troubled influencer.