A Malaysian family is grappling with an unimaginable tragedy after a 43-year-old man reportedly died of a suspected heart attack on the same day his 16-year-old son was killed in a motorcycle accident.
The father, Lai Zhi Qi, a contractor from Port Dickson, collapsed just hours after learning that his teenage son had died following a road accident near their home. Both father and son were cremated together on July 8 at Fairy Park Memorial Park in Seremban, Malaysia.
Teen Loses Control of Motorbike, Dies at the Scene
According to reports from China Press, the teenage boy, a student at Port Dickson High School, had set out to refuel his motorcycle at a petrol station located less than 2km from the family’s residence. However, tragedy struck when he reportedly lost control of the vehicle just in front of the station. The motorcycle flipped, and the boy suffered fatal head injuries, dying on the spot.
When Lai was informed of the incident, he rushed to the scene only to be devastated by the sight of his lifeless son.
Grief-Stricken Father Collapses at Home
Shortly after returning home to break the heartbreaking news to the rest of the family, Lai complained of feeling unwell. His wife, 44-year-old Leah Amour E. Basaca, said Lai’s face turned pale before he collapsed.
Leah, who had received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, immediately began CPR while others contacted the Malaysia Emergency Response Services (999). The ambulance reportedly took 30 minutes to arrive. Despite continued efforts by paramedics en route to Port Dickson Hospital, Lai was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Both father and son were laid to rest on the same day, with family, friends, and schoolmates attending the wake in deep sorrow. The couple’s two young daughters, aged 8 and 11, were also present, emotionally thanking attendees through tears.
Family Left Vulnerable, Plea for Help on Citizenship Status
Lai’s elderly father, 71-year-old Lai Ren Song, shared that his son had been the family’s sole breadwinner. Despite being in generally good health, Lai had a history of high blood pressure.
The late contractor had married Leah, a Filipino national, and had helped her apply for Malaysian citizenship. However, her citizenship application remains unresolved, and she now faces the future without her husband or stable financial support.
Lai’s father has appealed for government authorities to urgently assist Leah in securing her citizenship, allowing her to legally work and support their two daughters, who are Malaysian citizens and currently studying at SJK(C) St. Leonards.
A Heartbreaking Reminder of Fragile Lives
This heartbreaking double tragedy has sparked a wave of sympathy online, with netizens expressing shock and sending condolences. Some have called for faster emergency medical response times, while others have highlighted the urgent need for compassion and social support for grieving families, especially those with vulnerable immigration statuses.
As the family copes with their devastating loss, there is hope that government agencies will step in to offer not just empathy, but real solutions to ease the burden left behind by Lai’s sudden passing.