Jan Hecker, German ambassador to China, dies two weeks into appointment

Sept. 6 (UPI) — German Ambassador to China Jan Hecker died suddenly Monday, two weeks into his appointment in Beijing, German officials said.

Hecker’s time and cause of death were unclear, the German Foreign Ministry said. Hecker was formerly German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s diplomatic and security adviser.

He left behind a wife who also works at the German Embassy and three children.

“It is with deep sadness and consternation that we heard the sudden death of the German ambassador to China, Prof. Dr. Jan Hecker, experienced,” a statement by the foreign ministry said.