UPDATED: Foxconn security suspended in iPhone suicide probe

Foxconn owner the Hon Hai Group has suspended a security official following the tragic suicide of a young Chinese engineer who lost a fourth-generation iPhone prototype.

As reported yesterday, Sun Danyong, (25) jumped from the roof of his factory dormitory to his death following his loss of one of 16 iPhone prototypes. There’s a Google image of the factory illustrated.

He had taken a job looking after product communications for long-time Apple manufacturer, Foxconn. Based in Shenzen, his job involved transporting iPhone prototypes from Foxconn to Apple.

Hon Hai says it is “unaware of the reasons behind Sun’s suicide”, but it followed an investigation by the firm’s security operatives following the loss of the iPhone. Foxconn didn’t authorize any person or department to violate the law, according to Hon Hai, which offered its condolences to Sun’s family.

Apple was also saddened at the young engineer’s tragic suicide, company spokeswoman Kristin Huguet told CNET:
"We are saddened by the tragic loss of this young employee, and we are awaiting results of the investigations into his death.  We require our suppliers to treat all workers with dignity and respect."

UPDATE: It seems Foxconn has now asked the Chinese police to investigate the case. The company observed Sun's death revealed "management shortcomings at Foxconn and that the company would work to provide better psychological support to employees".