Discovery after days of concern
A 61-year-old man was found dead in his flat at Block 363C Sembawang Crescent on 4 September, after his neighbours raised concerns about a lingering stench and lights that had been left on for days. The man, who lived alone, was discovered half-naked and motionless on the ground when police forced entry into the unit. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Residents said they had initially dismissed the smell as spoilt food, but as the days went by, the odour only grew stronger. This, coupled with the unusual sight of lights being kept on constantly, eventually prompted them to alert the authorities. According to police, preliminary investigations do not suggest foul play, though inquiries are ongoing.
The unsettling incident has raised questions about how long the man might have lain undiscovered before neighbours acted. Even after the body was removed, the smell reportedly lingered faintly around the block, and blood stains could still be seen on the floor of the unit, Shin Min Daily News reported.
Remembered as a friendly neighbour
Neighbours described the man as a security guard who had only moved into the flat a few months ago. Despite being new to the area, he was remembered as a warm and approachable person who would greet others and interact kindly with children in the estate. One resident said the news was shocking as he had seemed to be in good health the last time they saw him.
The incident has left many residents in the block unsettled, especially those with young families. Some said it served as a sobering reminder that people living alone may go unnoticed if something happens to them, unless neighbours step forward to check in.
Cases like this are not uncommon in Singapore, where more seniors are living independently. Reports of unattended deaths occasionally surface, particularly when neighbours notice foul odours or uncollected mail. Such discoveries often highlight the importance of community vigilance.
Rising concerns about seniors living alone
Singapore’s ageing population has made the issue of elderly individuals living alone a growing concern. According to past studies, tens of thousands of seniors live by themselves, raising the risks of social isolation and delayed medical intervention. Authorities have been urging the public to remain attentive and to make use of community support services such as the Silver Generation Office and senior activity centres.
Community organisations also encourage regular check-ins on neighbours, especially the elderly, to prevent tragic situations like this. While not every case can be prevented, small acts of neighbourliness — such as greeting, sharing meals, or checking in when something seems unusual — can make a critical difference.
Police investigations into the man’s death are still ongoing, but early findings confirm that no foul play is suspected. Meanwhile, residents in Sembawang continue to grapple with the shock of the incident and the loss of a neighbour many had come to respect in a short span of time.