Woman 'buried alive by husband' called 911 on her Apple Watch
Callum Jones
Featured Image Credit: Lacey Police Department/NBC
We've all seen the adverts for the Apple Watch - the device which can save you from a car accident, being stranded out to sea on a paddle board, or on top of a mountain with no obvious route down.
Of course, the handy piece of tech is mostly used as a fitness device, despite what the advert may say.
However, the infamous commercial has now well and truly proven itself, exemplified in one of the most extreme ways.
A woman's Apple Watch allowed her to call 911 and helped save her after she was allegedly buried alive by her husband.
Advert
*Warning: Contains disturbing content**
On Sunday, 16 October, 2022, at around 1:00pm, Young Sook An was allegedly abducted by her husband, Chae Kyong An, from her home in a suburb of Washington, US.
Young Sook and Chae Kyong were reportedly going through a divorce, however, Chae Kyong was using his wife's house to come and do laundry, according to the pair's daughter.
The couple were reportedly arguing about money when the alleged attack occurred.
The fight about money escalated, and Chae Kyong allegedly told his wife he would 'rather die' than give her any of his 'retirement money'.
After allegedly attacking her in her bedroom, the husband tied Young Sook up with duct tape, before driving her away from their home into the woods. He then started digging a hole, stabbed her and placed her in the ground, as per probable cause documents.
The documents read: "Chea told her she was going to die. She was so scared.
"After being put in the ground she could hear her husband walking around the hole and dirt being put on top of her."
Thankfully, as a result of wearing her Apple Watch, Young Sook was able to alert her daughter and best friend, as well as call emergency services just before she was dragged into Chae Kyong's 2006 Dodge Caravan.
Chae Kyong allegedly smashed the Apple Watch before bundling her into the vehicle and taking her to the woods.
After being left in the woods by her husband, Young Sook took her life into her own hands and broke free when night fell.
She ran for around 30 minutes and found a hiding place in someone's shed.
The hole Young Sook claims she was buried in was later discovered by investigators.
The mother also had 'duct tape still wrapped around her neck, lower face and ankles,' as per a Thurston County Superior Court filing.
"There was also extensive bruising to her legs, arms and head and her clothing and hair were covered in dirt," it reads.
Chae Young has been arrested, but not yet officially charged. He faces charges of first-degree assault, first-degree kidnapping and first-degree attempted murder.
Young Sook asked for a message to be read in front of the judge; the note states: "Please no bail. I am really afraid for my life.
"I just what to emphasis I fear him so much and that he will kill me again if he's out."
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence 24 hours a day to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247