NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A 71-year-old American professor was found deceased in his New Taipei City apartment on Friday (March 14). The discovery was made in his rental unit located on Yixing Street (宜興街) in Xizhi District (汐止區). Local police investigated the scene and ruled out foul play. The professor, a former head of the English Department at a national university, had resided rent-free for over 15 years due to a close friendship with his landlord, surnamed Liao (廖).
Upon returning to Taiwan, the landlord, Mr. Liao (廖), reported the professor's absence to the Hengke Police Station (橫科派出所) after neighbors informed him that the professor hadn't been seen for several days. Station Chief Yeh Tzu-ming (葉梓銘) led the investigation, finding no signs of a struggle and eliminating any suspicion of homicide. Chief Yeh then coordinated with a local funeral home and the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT, 美國在台協會) to manage subsequent arrangements.
Mr. Liao expressed gratitude for the police's swift response, stating he had never encountered such a situation before. He thanked them for their prompt handling of the matter and expressed his appreciation for the efficiency and compassion demonstrated by the public sector. The incident highlights the effective collaboration between local authorities and international organizations in handling sensitive situations involving foreign nationals.