Hong Kong pop star dies in tragic fall from flat
Hong Kong singer Ellen Joyce Loo arrives to the 28th Golden Melody Awards in Taipei in June, 2017. (SAM YEH/AFP/Getty)
Singer Ellen Joyce Loo has died after falling from her flat in Hong Kong.
The 32-year old was found dead on Saturday (August 4) outside her Happy Valley flat, reports South China Morning Post.
A police source confirmed that Loo had passed away, according to the publication.
Following initial investigations, there are reportedly no suspicious circumstances surrounding Loo’s death.
In her final post on Facebook on Thursday, Loo posted a picture of herself and wrote: “I am going to do something great today – it is one of the decisions I made for myself since I turned 30. I finally understand why people like to take selfies of themselves as you really want to take a picture of yourself when you have a high morale.”
Loo, an out lesbian, was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1986, but emigrated to Hong Kong when she was four.
She started a group called at17 with fellow musician Eman Lam in 2001, which was signed by the music production company People Mountain People Sea.
Apart from writing songs for her own group, Loo was also involved in the production and song writing of other artists’ albums such as Kay Tse, Miriam Yeung and Sally Yeh.
The group released several albums – including Meow Meow Meow (2002)and KissKissKiss (2003) – before splitting in 2010.
Loo at the 24th Golden Melody Awards in Taipei in July, 2013. (SAM YEH/AFP/Getty Images)
Loo, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2013, went on to pursue a solo career in Taiwan.
According to South China Morning Post, People Mountain People Sea wrote in a statement on Sunday: “Over the past few years, [Loo] had been fighting a very tough battle in the face of the disturbances caused by mental illness and bipolar disorder. We have always been on her side, hoping to offer her support and power.”
“She decided to leave today. We hope she would be in peace in the other side of the world.”
Loo came out as a lesbian when she picked up an award at the 28th Golden Melody Awards in Taiwan in 2017.
Loo posted a selfie of herself on Thursday – two days before her death. (Lucy Ellen Loo/Facebook)
“There is a person that I have to thank today. Without her, I would not have written my first Mandarin song seven years ago; without her, I would not have developed my career in Taiwan. I have to thank my wife,” she said at the time.
“My wife and I had tied the knot abroad last year … I know the world is imperfect. So is my music and myself. But having you, who would still need perfection?”
She went on to become an advocate for LGBT+ rights and equal marriage.
If you are in the UK and are having suicidal thoughts, suffering from anxiety or depression, or just want to talk, call The Samaritans on 116 123.
If you are in Hong Kong, you can call Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong on (852) 2389 2222.
