Forensic experts and doctors have determined that chef Tu Yuangao, whose death sparked three days of civil unrest last week in central China, died after falling from a high building, said a spokesman with the government of Shishou city, Hubei Province, on Thursday.

Experts from the Ministry of Public Security and Tongji Medical Institute carried out an autopsy and X-rays and tested for poisons, said Liu Yunchang.

"He committed suicide," said Liu. "Tu's corpse was cremated this morning."

Tests also showed an alleged suicide note, claiming he was pessimistic and hated the world, that was found in Tu's residence had been written by Tu himself, said Liu.

Tu's body was found lying at the gate of Yonglong Hotel in Shishou city on the evening of June 17.

Police found no suspicious injuries on his body.

An initial investigation found that the chef had killed himself, which sparked doubt and anger among Tu's family which spread to the public.

Police suggested an autopsy to discover the cause of death, but this was initially rejected by Tu's relatives. They said they were not convinced by the allegation of suicide, triggering three days of protests.

(Xinhua News Agency June 25, 2009)