Chinese woman, 34, found dead in Singapore hotel room as parents seek answers
A 34-year-old Chinese national was discovered unresponsive in her hotel room at Marina Bay Sands, in a case that has left her grieving parents searching for clarity about their daughter’s life in Singapore. Police have stated that preliminary findings do not point to any foul play, though investigations are still ongoing.
The woman, identified as Zhang Qiujie based on a transliteration of her name, was found motionless inside the room after authorities received a call for assistance at the Bayfront Avenue address. An SCDF paramedic pronounced her dead at the scene. Her passing has since drawn attention not only because of the circumstances, but also due to the lack of information surrounding her time in Singapore.
Parents travel to Singapore after embassy notification
According to local Chinese-language and English media reports, Qiujie’s parents only managed to travel to Singapore several days after her death. The delay was due to the time needed to apply for passports, highlighting the family’s limited resources and rural background. They were notified of the tragedy through the Chinese embassy.
A funeral director who assisted the family shared that Qiujie’s parents are farmers and are not financially well-off. They had also lost contact with their daughter for nearly two years after she left China to work abroad, making the news even more devastating. The parents reportedly knew little about her daily life, employment, or social circle in Singapore.
Despite these challenges, they spoke of their daughter as a compassionate and kind-hearted person. They recalled that she had once donated money to support relief efforts following the Wenchuan earthquake, reflecting a generosity that remained close to their hearts.
Community support and unanswered questions
Moved by the family’s situation, the funeral director agreed to handle the funeral arrangements on a pro bono basis. He also appealed to the public, asking anyone who might have known Qiujie during her time in Singapore to come forward with information that could help her parents better understand her life here.
One of the key difficulties faced by the family was their inability to access Qiujie’s locked mobile phone, which may have contained clues about her work, friends, or circumstances leading up to her death. With few personal details available, the parents expressed hope that members of the local community might help fill in the gaps.
Qiujie leaves behind two teenage siblings who were unable to travel to Singapore due to financial constraints. After cremation, her parents returned to China without bringing her ashes home, citing family circumstances. Plans are reportedly in place for her remains to be laid to rest in Mandai, allowing her siblings to visit in the future should they come to Singapore.
Police investigations ongoing
The Singapore Police Force confirmed that officers were alerted to the incident at around 3pm on the day in question. While early investigations do not suggest foul play, authorities have emphasised that inquiries are ongoing.
Cases such as this often highlight the isolation faced by foreign workers and individuals living overseas without close family support. For families left behind, the emotional toll is compounded by uncertainty and unanswered questions.
Support resources in Singapore
Members of the public are reminded that support is available for those experiencing emotional or mental distress. Singapore offers several 24-hour helplines and support services for individuals who may be struggling or in need of someone to talk to.
As investigations continue, Qiujie’s parents hope that greater awareness of their daughter’s case may bring them some measure of closure, and a clearer picture of the life she lived far from home.