While celebrity suicides are not unheard of, it’s always tragic to hear about them.
Hong Kong actress Bonnie Lai is suspected to have died of suicide.
She was only 46 years old.
Reportedly Sent Husband One Last Message
Hong Kong media reported that Lai’s husband, aesthetic doctor Angus Hui, received a WhatsApp message from her on the morning of 26 December.
It reportedly read, “See you in the next life.”
Alarmed, he rushed to her home in North Point.
He reached her at about 1 pm, only to find her unconscious.
She was found with a pot of charcoal by her side.
Lai was rushed to Ruttonjee Hospital and was later pronounced dead.
Notably, the police did not find any suicide notes at the scene.
Although the cause of her death has yet to be confirmed, the case is currently being treated as a suicide.
Before her death, she had posted Instagram stories of a Christmas party held at her apartment just the night before.
Dr Hui and his two sons with Lai were seen at the hospital.
However, they declined to comment when approached by Hong Kong reporters.
Death Confirmed by Ex-husband Kenneth Low
Ex-husband and actor Kenneth Low confirmed Lai’s death.
Low and Lai got married in 1998 and have two sons together.
They divorced in 2006, with Low gaining custody of their children.
Low stated that he was shocked by Lai’s death.
He said that Lai behaved normally the last time they spoke.
He reportedly last spoke to her on the phone two weeks ago.
Said to Have Suffered from Depression
Lai was said to have been suffering from depression for many years.
She reportedly needed to go for treatment regularly.
Lai entered the entertainment industry after participating in the 1995 Miss Asia pageant.
She finished as first runner-up to winner Kristy Yang.
She first appeared on the big screen in 1996, playing the girlfriend of a triad leader in the Hong Kong movie Young and Dangerous 3.
Lai took a break from the entertainment industry after marrying Dr Hui in 2007.
Although their marriage was said to be rocky following the birth of their younger son in 2012, there have been no reports of marital struggles in the past ten years.
In 2023, Lai returned to acting.
She made a cameo appearance as the wife of Hong Kong singer-actor Norman Cheung’s character in the ongoing Hong Kong legal drama Legal Affair.
This was her final appearance on television before her death.
Often Posted Snippets of Her Life on Social Media
Lai often shared family photos on social media.
View this post on Instagram
In June 2023, she announced that she had opened a jewellery shop.
A month later, she announced that she had completed a professional course in coloured gems.
View this post on Instagram
The most recent post visible on her Instagram account is a birthday dedication to her and Dr Hui’s elder son, Aston.
Mental Health in the Entertainment Industry
By now, you’re probably aware of how the entertainment industry can take a toll on one’s mental health.
Earlier in November, Friends actor Matthew Perry was found dead in his home’s hot tub.
His tragic passing has been linked to his struggle with drug addiction.
ST Headlines reported that actor Simon Yam, 68, who worked with Lai in Young and Dangerous 3, expressed sadness regarding her death.
He added that she had always been a “cheerful and good girl”.
Yam said, “Many friends have left. Life is unpredictable. I hope they rest in peace. Everyone should cherish the people around them.”
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