The Xinhua News Agency said today the 30-year-old man, identified only by his surname, Wang, had muscular dystrophy and was depressed. It said he could no longer care for himself.
Care for the disabled in China has improved only slowly despite roaring economic growth.
Wang texted his local police station early Monday morning saying he was committing suicide and expressing his wish to donate his body and organs.
Wang's family sought to comply with his wishes. However, the local Red Cross said it couldn't accept the donation because Wang didn't sign a release or have a physical exam.