An elderly man was found dead inside his flat in Lengkok Bahru after volunteers noticed that bread left outside his home had remained untouched for about a week.
According to Shin Min Daily News, The 78-year-old resident was discovered lying motionless inside his unit at Block 58 Lengkok Bahru on Saturday, Jul. 25. The discovery came after volunteers delivering bread observed that previous deliveries had not been collected, prompting concerns over his well-being.
According to reports, the man was found in the living room of his home. Police and emergency responders were alerted shortly afterwards, with officers later confirming that he had been pronounced dead at the scene.
Long-Time Resident Known to Neighbours
When reporters visited the block later that day, the area outside the flat had been cordoned off while investigations were underway. Family members, including the deceased’s siblings, arrived during the afternoon to pay their respects.
His body was removed from the flat at around 5:30pm before relatives carried out traditional rites by burning joss paper as a final farewell.
Neighbours shared that the elderly man had lived in the estate for more than four decades. Before retiring, he had worked as a cleaner and was said to have maintained a simple routine. Although he generally kept to himself, residents described him as someone who would greet neighbours and occasionally interact with those living nearby.
Bread Left Outside Raised Alarm
One neighbour recalled seeing him regularly pushing his bicycle and heading out each day. The last time the resident remembered seeing him was on Jul. 16, when he joined other residents downstairs for a singing session.
Concern grew when volunteers making their routine bread deliveries realised that loaves left outside the flat from the previous Saturday were still hanging on the door several days later. Realising that something was unusual, they alerted the authorities to check on the resident.
The incident has highlighted how community volunteers and neighbours often play an important role in looking out for elderly residents who live alone, especially when changes in their daily routines go unnoticed.
Family Says He Was Quiet but Independent
Family members described the deceased as an introverted bachelor who had largely lived independently. His sister reportedly visited him frequently to help tidy his home and check on his well-being.
She also shared that while he generally appeared to be in good health, he had recently mentioned experiencing prostate-related health issues about two weeks before his death.
Another sibling said she would usually visit him during school holidays when she was free from caring for her grandchildren. Despite living alone, he remained close to his family and would visit them during Chinese New Year celebrations.
Police Investigations Ongoing
In response to media queries, the Singapore Police Force said it received a call for assistance at Block 58 Lengkok Bahru at approximately 12:20pm on Jul. 25.
Officers found the 78-year-old man lying motionless inside the residential unit, where he was subsequently pronounced dead.
Based on preliminary investigations, the police do not suspect foul play. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death are ongoing.