Jet Li Recalls Near-Death Experience When He And His Family Were Caught In A Tsunami During A Maldives Trip

Martial arts superstar Jet Li recently released his memoir, ‘Beyond Life and Death: The Way of True Freedom’, where he opens up about his journey through fame, family life, health struggles, and the experiences he’s had throughout the years. 

While appearing on the Tamron Hall Show to promote his book, the 63-year-old star was joined by his daughters, Jane, 26, and Jada, 23, where he recalled a frightening incident he considers one of his “near-death experiences”.

In 2004, Jet was on vacation in the Maldives with his wife, Nina Li Chi, and their two daughters when a powerful tsunami, triggered by a major earthquake in the Indian Ocean, hit the islands.

He recalled that Jada was only about one year old at the time, while Jane was around four. As the powerful waves rushed ashore, he picked up Jane and placed her on his shoulders. Jada, who was being carried by her babysitter at the time, was swept away and separated from them by the strong current.

Gesturing to a point just below his nose, Jet said: “The water finally got up to here, and we were very, very close to death.”

“That was my first near-death experience, and I thought, no matter how strong you are, when nature comes, it just comes.”

In his memoir, Jet described how he struggled against the rising waters while holding tightly onto his daughter and bracing for impact. He then recalled the relief he felt when the waves suddenly receded, revealing the shore again — only to realise later that his arms had been cut by debris as he held his daughter safely in his arms.

Thankfully, the entire family survived the ordeal, including Jet’s wife, who was later brought back to their hotel by a rescue rowboat.

After surviving the tsunami, Jet Li was inspired to establish an organisation dedicated to helping victims of natural disasters. His experience led to the founding of the One Foundation in 2007, one of China’s first independent private charities focused on disaster relief, children’s welfare, and environmental protection training.

Upon reflection, Jet added: “I changed my career and started helping more people.”