🧭 What the Claim States
Posts shared on social media—including urgent-sounding Facebook messages—claimed that:
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A massive flood occurred in Beijing 15 minutes ago, killing 30 people.
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Among the deceased was Jackie Chan, the legendary actor and 2016 honorary Oscar winner.
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The announcement was said to come via his wife, Joan Lin.
Posts presented the event as breaking news, but offered no verifiable sources, quotes, or confirmation from official channels.
✅ What Verified Reports Confirm
1. The Beijing Floods
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Heavy rains from July 23–29, 2025 devastated parts of northern China, including Beijing and Hebei province, triggering flash floods and landslides. Multiple sources confirm at least 44 deaths in Beijing, with additional fatalities in neighboring provinces Miyun District was hardest hit: nearly 31 elderly residents died in a flooded nursing home; victims were trapped unexpectedly in a facility considered safe at the time. Officials later apologized for emergency planning failures
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The floods led to mass evacuations—over 80,000 people relocated, widespread infrastructure damage, and disrupted communications across more than 130 villages.
2. Jackie Chan Is Not Among the Deceased
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There is no credible evidence or official report confirming Jackie Chan’s death in the floods or otherwise. Fact‑checking services and reputable news outlets confirm the claim is false
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Jackie Chan remained in public view in 2025—attending events like the 2025 Critics’ Choice Awards and continuing professional projects.
🕵️♂️ Why the Rumor Spread
A. Emotional Clickbait Format
The post was crafted with urgency—“sad news,” “15 minutes ago,” and mention of Jackie Chan to attract attention. Yet it lacked any credible attribution or media source.
B. Mislinking Two Separate Events
People may have connected the legitimate Beijing floods (which, sadly, killed dozens) with a high-profile figure like Jackie Chan. But no overlap exists in verifiable accounts.
C. Absence of Follow-Up
No statements from Jackie Chan’s family, entertainment agencies, or mainstream journalists have endorsed the story. With major figures, multiple outlets typically carry news simultaneously—none did in this case.
📊 Summary Table
| Claim | Verified Information |
|---|---|
| Native flood killed 30; Jackie Chan died | Beijing floods killed at least 44 people (not 30), Jackie Chan is alive |
| Wife, Joan Lin announced his death | No statement from family or news outlets confirming death |
| Post appeared minutes after flood | Multiple flood reports surfaced over days from agencies and media |
| Source tagged actor as honorary Oscar winner | Jackie Chan did receive an honorary Oscar in 2016, which may lend confusion to post |
| No follow-up coverage | No confirmation or obituary from trusted news or celebrity sources |
🌍 What Really Happened: Beijing Floods
✔ Nature of Disaster
Between July 23–29, 2025, an extraordinary volume of rainfall—some areas receiving nearly a year’s worth in days—hit northern China. Beijing’s suburban Miyun district saw rainfall peaks around 543.5 mm over the week, triggering flooding, landslides, and dam overflow
✔ Human Consequences
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44 confirmed deaths across Beijing; many elderly residents in Miyun were trapped when an elderly care center flooded unexpectedly. Only 48 of 77 occupants were rescued, leading to tragic losses.Tens of thousands displaced; rescue teams scrambled; over 130 villages lost electricity; roads, bridges, and properties were severely damaged. Government response included emergency financial allocations totaling over 1 billion yuan for recovery
✔ Official Accountability
For the first time in recent years, local officials—including the Miyun Communist Party secretary—publicly acknowledged failures in preparedness and evacuation planning. An apology was issued, especially regarding the care facility tragedy.
🧠 Why Rumors Like These Succeed
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High-profile names lend false credibility.
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Sensational phrasing (“15 minutes ago,” “massive flood,” “legendary”).
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Lack of critical source sourcing or media corroboration.
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Quick virality before fact-checking can occur.
🔍 Final Assessment
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Jackie Chan is alive, actively appearing in public and projects as of mid-2025
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The floods in Beijing were real and deadly, but well documented and devoid of any connection to Jackie Chan.
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The viral Facebook post is unverified and clearly misleading, typical of false death hoaxes tied to sensational disaster
