HK Pop Star, Coco Lee Passes Away at 48 After Suicide Due to Years of Struggle with Depression

Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of suicide

The consequences of depression, especially in this era of mental illness without a safe haven for sufferers, are no joke. Just last night (5 July), popular Hong Kong singer Coco Lee passed away after a suicide attempt due to depression which she had been battling for years.

In a Facebook post, Coco’s sister, Nancy confirmed the death and revealed that her depression has taken a turn for the worse in recent months. Coco attempted suicide back at home on 2 July and she was sent to the hospital for immediate treatment but to no avail. Coco was in a comatose state before her death, and she was 48.

“Coco sought professional help to fight depression but sadly, that demon inside of her took the better of her,” Nancy said.

On 2 July, Coco rushed out of the bathroom with blood on her left hand, and her maid immediately contacted the police before Coco was sent to the hospital. Police found no suicide note but a pedicure knife with blood stains on it, which was believed to have been used as Coco’s suicide tool.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Coco in the entertainment industry and for the past decades, Nancy said that her deceased sister had cheered many fans with her songs and dances. She also was the 1st Chinese singer to break into the American market, and her English song “Do You Want My Love” charted at #4 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Breakouts chart in December 1999.

Coco also voiced “Mulan” in Disney’s 1998 animation movie, Mulan, and sang the theme song for the animation, which is called Reflection.

In Coco’s latest IG post dated 31 December 2022, Coco admitted to having gone through a difficult year and expressed that she would love to leave the past in the past and live a life of good intentions in 2023. Unfortunately, Coco did not stay long. She will forever be missed by the family and fans around the world.

Rest in peace, Coco Lee. Our thoughts and prayers go to the family during this tough time.

Never kid with or underestimate the damages of unspoken mental health. If you’re feeling down or having suicidal thoughts, do reach out to the people you trust, or call Befrienders KL at 03-7627 2929, a 24-hour hotline where a trained person on the line will help you cope. 

Also read: Nurses in KL Hospital Cry & Hug 12yo Child to Bid Farewell After Knowing His Illness is Untreatable