r/singapore • u/Wide-Garbage8960 • 2d ago
News Woman from Singapore dies after feeling unwell during hike in Bhutan
https://str.sg/9Wfz422
u/WorldThatISaw 🌈 F A B U L O U S 2d ago
RIP :(
Thank you for trusting r/asksingapore enough to ask for advice. Wishing you well.
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u/NIDORAX 2d ago
Oh dear. I read there was an earlier reddit thread somewhere saying someone received a phonecall from a travel agency saying their sister died overseas and they thought it was a scam call but it turns out to be real. It must have been this woman who died, that thread was talking about.
May that Woman Rest in peace. Hopefully her body can be brought back home to Singapore safely. It must have been hard for the family to find out about this.
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u/sshjustletithappen 1d ago edited 1d ago
Deceased woman’s sibling (OP) updated in the comments saying that the deceased woman’s friend whom she was travelling with was actually the one who phoned the mom and told the mom the sad news…I hope her family finds peace…
Edit: for grammar and clarity.
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u/Zz7722 2d ago
My friend's father also passed away on a trip to Tibet, looks like we have to be very careful about altitude related problems if we want to visit these regions.
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u/Sufficient_Topic1589 1d ago
Altitude sickness is definitely a thing and people can die from it. We were warned of it in South Dakota and surrounding states the last time I went to America. Even after drinking enough water like they suggest, I still felt like I was floating through a service station the bus stopped at and climbing the paths in Bryce Canyon was harder than it should’ve been. Others on the tour got blood noses and one had an ear bleed. Feel sorry for this woman
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u/SuMianAi 11h ago
Altitude sickness kills quite a few tourists every year, always because they think "well I'll be fine"..
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u/afraidofrs Own self check own self ✅ 2d ago
Omg I saw the Reddit post from the brother. He thought it was a scam. RIP.
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u/matcha-overdose 2d ago
Just saw the post on the other sub too. Heartbreaking for OP and their family 🙏🏻
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u/SparkleOnYourOwn 2d ago
cried when i saw this, because i can remember how panicky and frantic OP was (in a separate reddit post) and i felt so worried for him/her and the sister and mum. I can't imagine their pain now. I don't know them but it felt so close. RIP girl, and to OP and the mum, be strong.
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u/OkHeight4013 2d ago
Having lived and worked in Bhutan for the past few years, sometimes as Singaporeans living at ~0m above sea level, we aren’t aware how to pick out signs that our bodies are struggling to adapt in higher altitudes.
My condolences to the family… If OP’s friends or family are reading this and need some advice on navigating the country, I can try to help.
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u/AngeryV8 2d ago
Would like to know what are the signs!?
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u/MisterMarsupial 2d ago
I've had it before and it felt like a really bad hangover. Nausea, vomiting, being dizzy, feeling like I was going to collapse after walking a short distance. Everything feeling like a huge effort.
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u/OkHeight4013 1d ago
Yup this. The easiest way to pick up is that walking just a little and you feel tired already e.g. You’ll be panting or experiencing shortness or breath when just climbing a flight of stairs. Usually if you over exert when you feel tired and rub it off as you didn’t sleep enough etc, it’ll usually lead to nausea. I’ve experienced it a couple of times myself. Brushed that off, eventually got fever and some of my fingers started turning purple 😵💫
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u/iwantaspudgun 1d ago
Holy shot that sounds scary af. I often feel nausea even on land so I would definitely have attributed a potential altitude sickness as being tired.
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u/OkHeight4013 1d ago
I’m assuming your land means something at a high altitude? Yeah sadly that’s usually the case and would always advise friends that visit high altitude regions about this. Just take extra caution next time :) Sometimes certain people are just more prone to altitude sickness, and it doesn’t matter what age or how fit you are
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u/iwantaspudgun 1d ago
No I mean even in singapore 🤣 i have bouts of low blood pressure often so i wouldn’t think that feeling nauseous is part of the symptoms of altitude sickness 😩
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u/AerospaceTrader 17h ago
oh dear ok so if anyone feels like this, just stop, go back down isn't it. Poor lady.
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u/Psychological_Ad_539 1d ago
Any symptoms of Hypoxia should be an alarm to seek medical help.
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u/discosoundtrack 1d ago
Question as I’m going to a place at 14,000 feet (Colorado) soon from my home at 0 ft above sea level. I’m extremely anxious about it. Is serious illness or death common?
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u/RecentSpecial181 1d ago
Are you climbing a mountain peak? Denver is 5000+ feet. The only town above 10,000 feet in Colorado is called Leadville. You'll be fine in Denver. You might breathe a little heavier the first few days but that's unlikely and depends on your overall condition.
8000 feet is the cut off to be more careful and let your body adjust before doing any activities like hiking. Get an Oxygen canister if you're indeed hiking up.
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u/discosoundtrack 1d ago
I’ll be going up Breckinridge (staying there for a few weeks, resting the first day then going on day hikes) and will be around 11,000 feet
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u/ZestycloseAd5918 17h ago
Breckinridge is ~9600 ft
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u/discosoundtrack 17h ago
Gotcha, sorry I thought some of the peaks were higher. At 9600, am I at serious risk? This story really scared me
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u/ZestycloseAd5918 16h ago
Honestly, I am also from a city at sea level and I did feel mild side effects of high altitude in Salt Lake City, which is half of what Breckinridge is. And I wasn’t hiking, I was just existing. I would do some research since you will be doing lots of physical activity.
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u/MisterMarsupial 2d ago
This was an organised tour, how were the guides not trained to recognise altitude sickness and carrying $10 o2 measurement devices. Or little canisters of o2.
:|
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u/jucheonsun 1d ago
The O2 canisters were useless for me. Didn't feel any relief from headache at all. What helped was glucose, and not moving around too much
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u/OkHeight4013 1d ago
If that happens when you travel next time, you can take altitude sickness pills like Diamox. They help to tackle the symptoms. That said, the best way to hep yourself is to descend. And actually on the first few days when you reach somewhere with high altitudes is to just rest a lot and drink lots of water. Take it slow
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u/discosoundtrack 1d ago
I’m going to Colorado soon (14,000 ft) from my home at 0 ft above sea level, and I’m very anxious. Is serious illness (or even death) something I should be very worried about? I’ve never been that high up before and have super concerned that something bad will happen. This article made me much more worried
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u/OkHeight4013 1d ago
I think you should be careful as I’m assuming you’ll be hiking to the peak which is at 14,000ft? 14,000 ft is ~4200m above sea level and altitude sickness usually hits from 2800m and above. It depends on how fast you’ll be ascending and if you’ll be doing anything physically strenuous in bid to do so I.e. as soon as you arrive and next day you’re going to hike to 14,000ft, you should be very careful and look out for signs you might not be acclimating well. If you can, take some altitude sickness meds like diamox, drink lots of water and get loads of rest as soon as you arrive. I’ve read online before there’s some meds you can take before you arrive so it’ll ease some symptoms. Take care and have fun!
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u/Primary-Ganache6199 1d ago
Exactly, if it’s a common issue with easy remedies why didn’t the agency recognise and address it in a timely manner?
Also curious what do you in Bhutan?
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u/OkHeight4013 1d ago
I believe they would’ve tried to address it but guides might not have brought a lot of oxygen cans (which I feel doesn’t always help cos a can is not enough) / diamox (this takes a while to kick in also) since it was a hike, also depending how long they’ve been hiking it might also be challenge to get down (it’s about 4-5 hours for a round trip). Also it was reported they were descending, which is usually the best move for altitude sickness. Something to note also is that there isn’t first aid stations along the hike so they’ll need to hike all the way to the base or the mid point (if they’ve made it to Taktsang itself). For the hikes I’ve been to around the country, guides / my friends will usually make me take breaks a bit more and they’ll go slower cos they know I wanna complete it. For the ones that I really cannot complete, it was mostly me making the decision to either stop or quickly turn back.
I was working as a lecturer there!
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u/Primary-Ganache6199 1d ago
That’s very cool! Thanks for explaining a bit more.
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u/OkHeight4013 1d ago
No problem, just hope to be able to help some folks in case they are looking for advice :)
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u/MisterMarsupial 1d ago
That's what helped me too. Sugar water with with a bit of salt and just hanging out in a tent without moving.
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u/OkHeight4013 1d ago
Guides in Bhutan are trained to recognise it. It might’ve been a big group and possibly difficult to keep tabs on everyone, for o2 devices, onboard tours they usually only have the small hand held ones, they don’t usually carry the giant o2 ones you see in Tibet on board vehicles. Even this, not all tours have it / will arrange for it.
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u/Greenfrog1026 20h ago
sidetrack a bit, what is working and living in Bhutan like ? i always wonder about this place.
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u/Sad-Panic-4971 🌈 I just like rainbows 2d ago
i saw a reddit post on this potentially being a scam, sadly it wasnt.
we are behind you redditor. may this lady rest in peace.
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u/Background-Chef-4233 2d ago
Oh man was hoping it was a scam. Damn sad for what should have been a happy trip. RIP and condolences.
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u/MerRyanSG I'm a merlion, hear me roar! 2d ago
Condolences and RIP. This is one of the rare times we really hope it was a scam.
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2d ago
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u/BothAd5239 2d ago
Dude why are you linking them to articles about their family member’s death. Leave them alone!
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2d ago
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u/PM_ME_TOMATOES_pls Fucking Populist 2d ago
It may not be done in bad faith but it's definitely insensitive to tag them like this unless you know them personally
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u/MyOwnFaithlessness 2d ago
RIP and condolences to the family for the loss. Such things can happen truly when we least expect it..
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u/uncleemperor 2d ago
RIP, saw the previous post and a few people said might be due to chan brothers' system being compromised and they target countries with connectivity. Was hoping that was the case...
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u/Real-Cupcake-100 2d ago
RIP .. looks like it was going to be the end of their tour and I’m sure the family was looking forward to her being back. Condolences to the family.
I did this tour by this agency about two years back but this hike was scheduled on the second day of our tour. I guess they realised that doing this on the second day wasn’t the best idea and switched it to towards the end of the tour for better acclimatisation.
Very sad to see this happen. Bhutan is a beautiful place though, still think about returning there one day.
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u/Awkward_Television36 2d ago
RIP and condolences. Based on Google search, the monastery is more than 3000m above sea level. Might be related to high altitude sickness.
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u/Intelligent-Unit6598 2d ago
To the redditor who was asking about this, we are sorry for your loss.
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u/HelluPanda 2d ago
Saw the earlier post too.. was hoping it was a scam… RIP to fellow redditor and his/her family :/ my condolences
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u/wladyslawmalkowicz 2d ago
This is unfolding from the earlier reddit post 😔😔 my condolences to the family
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u/drinkwater247 1800 221 4444 2d ago
My condolences to fellow redditor and family. Please take care.
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u/rubricksx 1d ago
Altitude sickness is no joke. Those looking on going to high Altitude regions like Yunnan, Bhutan or Tibet please do your research before going.
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u/Key_Aerie_8200 6h ago
We drove from Singapore to Yunnan. One of the high places we drove was 4800m high. The air is thin. Need to take high altitude pills few days before. Also. Do things at half the speed. Don't run. Relax so that you don't pant.
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u/Tourtourism 2d ago
I did the same hike a month earlier and it definitely wasn't an easy hike, the elevation gain is at least 600m until 3120m, at least 2-2.5 hours to the top, and then another 1.5-2 hours down.
That being said, this is almost a must-do activity for every visitor to Bhutan, usually on their last day as the first few days are spent acclimatising to the higher altitude in Bhutan...
RIP to the lady 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
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u/usualsuspek Suspek Ah Pek 2d ago
Oh no :'( We just saw bro asked on reddit if it was a scam. Everyone hoped it was a scam :'(
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u/Cloud7050 2d ago
Damn. Scrolled down my feed a bit and saw the family post earlier. I wish it was just another scam call. My condolences.
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u/iluj13 2d ago
For most healthy Singaporeans visiting Bhutan and doing a hike to a temple around 3,000 m, altitude sickness medication is usually not necessary, but it depends on how quickly you’ll ascend and your individual susceptibility.
A few points:
- 3,000 m is around the threshold where Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) starts becoming more common.
- Many visitors to Bhutan hike to places such as Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), which sits at about 3,120 m, without taking preventive medication.
- Most people experience either no symptoms or mild symptoms such as headache, breathlessness on exertion, or fatigue.
- Being fit does not protect against altitude sickness. Even marathon runners can develop AMS.
When medication is probably unnecessary
If:
- You are flying into Bhutan and spending at least a day or two acclimatizing.
- Your highest sleeping altitude is below about 3,000 m.
- You have no previous history of altitude sickness.
- The hike is a day trip rather than a rapid ascent to much higher elevations.
In these situations, carrying medication is often more about reassurance than necessity.
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u/Competitive-Ad8300 2d ago
My condolences. Saw the post earlier by the another op. Would not want to comment much just now as is not confirm news yet
Tbh all this are high altitude area and most of our body are not accustom to such altitude. I hope singaporean can think twice before going Tibet buthan to do hiking. Once we fall sick is worst than u fall sick in singapore tbh
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u/testercheong Mature Citizen 2d ago
RIP and deepest condolences to both the redditor and the family
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u/piggyb0nk 2d ago
To all the shitheads who can only talk shit about why she passed - such things can happen to anyone. I know a good friend at tiptop health who went for a run one night and never came back.
To our fellow redditor u/luminuzz, our deepest condolences to you and your family, the hearts of thousands of singaporeans go out to you.
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u/g-pastures-s-waters 2d ago
It’s the just world fallacy mah. We all want to believe that if we just try hard enough we can protect ourselves from anything, but reality’s too unpredictable
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u/Zukiff 1d ago
I did this last year, 900m+ climb at 3000m+ altitude. Worst part is the final portion, when you climb to the top and think you almost reach liao, can see is at the same level as the temple, the last part suddenly need to hike down 50-60 m and up again
My guide at first see me a bit fat also scare I will have problems but I only look fat, I exercise a lot so I actually made the climb is slightly under 2hr(average time is around 3-4 hrs)
Want to go for this kind of hike, please make sure you all are physically fit and have no medical condition. Also need time to aclimitized. I was in Tibet the week before so I was already used to the thin air
Do some research and know what you are getting into
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u/Dream8080 1d ago
I did Tiger nest hike a few months ago, it took us 5 hours two ways without horses. It wasn't easy, must take it slow and rest in between.
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u/Long-Ad2150 14h ago
This seems unexpected. The lady is only 40 yrs old. Hard for one at that age to expect this from happening. It’s quite unfortunate that this happen. High attitude sickness may even happen at 2400m (Yunnan Lijiang attitude level) Not just at higher levels. When one has a good night sleep and after a normal breakfast still feel sleepy, it’s best to use your oxygen tank. Try taking a few puffs if it feel better. FYI, my guide from shangrila ( experience guide in organising tours at high altitude) did mention that the oxygen tank is more of mental, not actual. Also an oxygen tin can around 30cm can only last around an hour. Need to be more careful when at such places.
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u/yellowsuprrcar 2d ago
damn i saw the other post... tough
Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) in Bhutan sits at an elevation of 3,120 meters (10,240 feet) above sea level
Air is definitely thinner up at 3000m! Beautiful location though
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u/Jaycee_015x 2d ago
Oh no. Condolences to the OP who posted about his sister. At least she went out doing what she liked. 🙏
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2d ago
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u/BothAd5239 1d ago
It’s not very nice to link them to articles about their family member’s death. Leave them be in this period of grief - summoning them to this article is unlikely something that would want at this time.
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u/Top_Discipline8680 1d ago
Anyone know the age , a lot speculated is an elderly
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u/SparkleOnYourOwn 1d ago
the mum is still around (deceased's sibling made a recent reddit post) so might not be elderly.
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u/Eschatologists 2d ago edited 2d ago
Not to be insensitive, I'm just curious. Dozens of Singaporeans die everyday, this person wasn't a public figure and neither was their death particularly remarkable, how did this become newsworthy?
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u/Lostwhispers05 Mature Citizen 2d ago
Singaporeans passing away overseas of unnatural causes as a result of a holiday mishap tend to make the news here even if they aren't public figures.
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u/Onionbagels_ 2d ago
The brother of deceased created a post asking for advice if there was a scam involving MFA informing his parents of his sister's death overseas earlier today.
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u/FirefighterLive3520 2d ago
Not really, ppl dying of natural causes won't be reported, but freak accidents/ sudden deaths like these do all the time
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u/ArcticGlaceon 2d ago
I just want to point out that the most downvoted comment on the r/asksingapore thread is someone saying if they died it will be on the news.
And it did turn out to be on the news.
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u/BeachBig4549 1d ago
It ended up on the news because of the reddit post I think. I read it yesterday and since then it never left my mind. Now there is official news about it. That said, what the other commenters said were right, not all deaths get reported on the news. This is a bit of a different (but incredibly sad) situation.
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u/Competitive-Ad8300 2d ago
Bro have some empathy please. Do you like next time if it happen to you we all start making your comment in reddit? There a time to joke there a time to be serious. Know when to stop and when to do it
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u/mentalFee420 1d ago
The comment was insensitive.
Many Singaporeans are insensitive and make unwarranted comments and mockery towards death of people, happening particularly in other countries.
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u/littlefiredragon 🌈 I just like rainbows 1d ago
Dying on a holiday is remarkable and happens very rarely
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u/thenomadhatter 1d ago
Sibling of the deceased posted on r/askSingapore if it was a scam when their mother was informed of the death by Chan Brothers. This is likely Chan Bros releasing their side of the narrative so it doesn’t look like they’re “staying silent” or so Reddit speculation doesn’t take it too far
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u/Primary-Ganache6199 1d ago
It’s true, a relative passed away overseas years ago, there was no news report. But circumstances very boring lah.
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u/notenviro500 Own self check own self ✅ 2d ago edited 2d ago
i saw a post on this on r/askSingapore . really very sad that its true 🙏🙏