Missing iPhone Prototype Cause of Suicide? Apple Responds

iphone 3g - unlocked - white.jpgThere were reports in the worldwide press, that a worker in a Chinese factory, Foxcon, committed suicide by jumping out his window,  after her lost an iPhone 4G prototype.

"We are saddened by the tragic loss of this
young employee, and we are awaiting results of the investigations into
his death," Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet told CNET on Tuesday. "We
require our suppliers to treat all workers with dignity and respect."

Some reported claim that the worker,  25 year-old Sun Danyong, was detained and abused while Foxcom employees searched his home. He worked in the department responsible for shipping prototypes to Apple.

There have also been allegations because the iPhone contract is so valuable, that companies will do anything to keep their contract.  Apparently bloggers who have released information have been banned and suppliers were black-listed in the past due to leaks.