A somber discovery unfolded early Tuesday morning at Un Lok House in Cheung Sha Wan’s Un Chau Estate, where authorities found two brothers deceased in their public housing flat, sparking renewed concerns about community well-being and monitoring of vulnerable residents.
The alarm was raised around 6:25 a.m. when a vigilant security guard conducting a routine patrol noticed a strong, decomposing odor emanating from the unit. Firefighters forced entry into the apartment and discovered the bodies of two men, both surnamed Yeung, lying on a bed. Forensic examination suggested the men had been deceased for a considerable period.
Investigation Points to Suicide Pact
Investigators found no signs of forced entry or ransacking within the premises. The Sham Shui Po District Crime Squad Team 7, which is handling the case classified as suicide and discovery of bodies, recovered three notes from a table and a bedroom, believed to be farewell letters.
The deceased were identified as two elder brothers, aged 67 and 59, who shared the residence. Preliminary findings suggest the younger of the two had a history of existing mental health struggles. The recovered notes detailed the tragic final days. According to the letters, the elder brother reportedly ceased eating and drinking toward the end of October, lapsing into unconsciousness shortly thereafter.
The younger brother, in turn, is believed to have ingested a large quantity of medication with beer on November 6, leaving specific instructions for their eldest sibling, who resides in Shenzhen, regarding the management of their affairs. Police have made contact with the brother in mainland China, who is currently unable to return to Hong Kong. Officers seized personal items, including bank documents, cups, and beer cans, for further examination.
Community Response and Unanswered Questions
Neighbors told police they had not seen the pair since shortly after the previous Christmas holiday. Despite some residents noting a foul odor in the corridor in recent days, this was not reported until the security guard’s decisive action. In the lift lobby, residents placed oranges and incense sticks as a traditional mark of respect for the deceased.
District Councillor Chan Wai-ming, who also serves as the deputy team leader for the local care team, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing that even one such incident is devastating. He confirmed that the care team had previously visited the household last year to provide information on available social services. However, he noted that efforts need to be improved to ensure follow-up and continuous support for individuals who might be resisting assistance.
Councillor Chan expected a thorough cleaning operation to be arranged promptly to address the lingering odor in the common areas, which had caused distress among immediate neighbors. The incident underscores the critical importance of community vigilance and the need for prompt action when concerning signs, such as unusual smells or extended absence, are detected.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please seek professional help immediately.
Crucial Mental Health Resources
Hong Kong residents can access confidential and immediate support through several resources:
- The Samaritans Hong Kong: 24-hour multilingual hotline at 2896 0000.
- The Help Project: Free and confidential support via call or WhatsApp at 2827 2525.
- Ethnic Minority Well-being Centre: Provides free 1:1 counselling services in English, Hindi, Urdu, and Nepalese. Contact 9682 3100 for details.
This sad event serves as a stark reminder of the isolation faced by some elderly residents and the ongoing necessity for robust social support networks to prevent further avoidable losses in the community.