The family of a young man who died trying to rescue his drowning friend has been awarded 50,000 yuan (US$6,040) in compensation, reports qianlong.com.

Shen Liang and Li Xingtao went to the Beiquan River in the Fangshan District with their classmates on May 20, 2000.

Li, who could not swim, sat on the bank watching his friends in the water. But he slipped into the river when he got up to walk along the slippery bank.

Shen saw him fall in and struggled to help Li out of the river, but he died in the attempt. Li was eventually rescued by others.

Shen's family asked Li's parents to make economic compensation for the loss of their son.

But the two families could not agree on the amount. The case was heard at the Fangshan District Court.

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