Tragic Tale of a Father, His Daughter, and a Final Descent
A heart‑wracking incident unfolded in Singapore last August: a 69‑year‑old father, battling mental health challenges, took his life after brutally harming his autistic daughter.
Who’s Whose Story?
- Mr Tang Soh Ha – 69, primary caretaker, struggled with depression, bipolar disorder, delirium, insomnia, and recurrent suicidal thoughts.
- Ms Tang Hui Yee – 27, an autistic student weighing the rigors of a special needs school, who often reacted with agitation and aggression when demands weren’t met.
Timeline of Events
- 2005: Mr Tang faced depression at a Thai public hospital.
- 2008: The Institute of Mental Health (IMH) in Singapore intervened after a business failure, prescribing mood‑stabilisers.
- Aug 5, 2023: The father reported suicidal thinking to a local polyclinic. An IMH case manager followed up 11 days later.
- Aug 20, 2023 – early afternoon: A friend discovered Mr Tang motionless near the building’s entrance; police arrived at 1:20 pm. CCTV shows him ascending the lift alone.
- 1:20 pm onwards: He was pronounced dead after a brief interval.
- 2:22 pm: Ms Tang was found in the kitchen, face down, with severe neck wounds – declared dead on arrival.
What the Coroner Revealed
State Coroner Kamala Ponnampalam explained that Mr Tang had been wrestling with depression and insomnia. He “couldn’t sleep” and worried about his daughter’s future, fears that pushed his declining health into a crisis point.
“When he was unable to sleep, he would lie awake worrying about Ms Tang’s future,” the coroner said, citing a worrying pattern of suicidal ideation that resurfaced on at least two occasions.
Despite a recommended emergency check‑in at IMH, the father’s last hours were spent alone, culminating in the tragic two‑fold loss.
Closing Thoughts
Trauma at its worst can ripple through families and society. While the medical particulars help paint the clinical picture, the story underscores a deeper reality: the importance of listening, timely support, and compassion for those battling unseen battles.
HELPLINES
Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s Who to Call
Everyone hits a rough patch now and then, but you’re not alone. In Singapore, there’s a whole squad ready to lend a hand (or ear) whenever you need it. Below are the most trusted hotlines you can drop into right away.
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
Phone: 1800‑2214444
This team is on standby 24/7 for people who feel the weight of life too heavy. They’re great at turning a gloomy day into something a bit brighter.
Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMA)
Phone: 1800‑2837019
SAMA provides a range of mental‑health resources and free counseling. They’re the go‑to for anyone looking for professional help without the wait.
Sage Counselling Centre
Phone: 1800‑5555555
Sage is all about calm guidance and a friendly lift. Their counselors excel at turning a stormy mind into a steadier outlook.
Care Corner Mandarin Counselling
Phone: 1800‑3535800
Prefer to talk in Mandarin? Care Corner is the place for you. They keep it local, personal, and supportive.
Why These Hotlines Matter
- Murder/Manslaughter and Suicides—If you or someone you know is in extreme distress, these numbers can be lifesavers. Prompt help lowers the risk of tragic outcomes.
- Feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed—Even if it’s not a crisis, a quick chat can curb the heaviness you’re carrying.
- Just wanna vent—Sometimes all you need is a friendly ear. All of these hotlines are willing to listen.
Remember… You’re Not Alone
Pulling out your phone, dialing one of those numbers, and talking about what’s bothering you is a powerful step. It’s a sign of courage, not weakness. If you’re in crisis, act fast—give any of these hotlines a call.
So, next time the world feels a little too loud or turbulent, remember there’s a human behind those digits ready to help you find a calm in the chaos. (And if you’re a bit nervous, just remember most of these counselors enjoy being called to help.)
