A 21-year-old Singaporean man died from a drug overdose after he and his then-16-year-old girlfriend made plans to take large amounts of illegal substances together, a coroner’s inquiry heard.
The man, identified as Lim Yong Xiang, was found motionless near the entrance of a shopping mall car park in Novena in the early hours of June 24, 2025.
According to reports by Shin Min Daily News, a mall security guard initially discovered a mobile phone and a white baseball cap near the car park entrance at about 6:35am. The guard then spotted Lim lying behind a signboard and contacted the police.
When paramedics arrived, Lim’s body was already stiff and his pupils were dilated. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Girlfriend noticed his condition
Investigations into the death found that Lim had spent the evening before the incident with his family before returning home and meeting his then-16-year-old girlfriend.
At some point during their time together, the teenager noticed that Lim was experiencing violent shaking. She believed he had been using Kpods, referring to etomidate-containing vaporiser pods.
Lim subsequently suggested that the pair take a large quantity of illegal substances together as part of a plan to die. The teenager agreed.
The two later consumed methamphetamine, while Lim also used Kpods. They eventually left his home, intending to withdraw money and obtain more illegal substances.
According to the investigation, the pair appeared increasingly unwell while walking. Lim reportedly staggered and collapsed several times, briefly losing consciousness before getting back up and continuing.
Girlfriend sought help after he collapsed
At about 3am, the pair reached the shopping mall and sat near the roadside. Around 3:11am, Lim lay down and stopped moving.
His girlfriend became frightened and eventually left the area, saying she would seek help.
Before this, she had reportedly contacted an online acquaintance and disclosed that she and Lim had made plans to die together. Concerned, the acquaintance and a relative went to Lim’s home to check on him.
When nobody answered the door, they contacted the police.
Investigators later found conversations between the teenager and the online acquaintance in which she said Lim was lying motionless. She also asked the acquaintance to contact the police because she was frightened and did not know what to do.
Previous overdoses and parole
The inquiry also heard that Lim had previously been placed on parole and was required to wear an electronic monitoring device. He had been released from custody in May 2024.
Investigators said his girlfriend did not know exactly where he obtained the illegal substances. However, she recalled Lim claiming that he had made money by illegally selling personal bank accounts through Telegram.
The inquiry further heard that Lim had a history of serious mental health difficulties and had previously required hospital treatment after overdosing on medication or illegal substances.
Ultimately, the cause of death was determined to be an overdose involving drugs.
The case highlights the potentially fatal consequences of substance misuse, particularly when multiple substances are consumed together. It also demonstrates the importance of seeking emergency medical assistance immediately when someone becomes unconscious, suffers severe shaking or shows other signs of a potentially life-threatening overdose.
Photo via Shin Min Daily News