Hong Kong man found dead in Taipei hotel room, probe underway

A 26-year-old Hong Kong man was found dead on a sofa in a five-star hotel room in Taipei’s  Zhongshan District on Wednesday, with a bottle of chemical material left beside his body. The cause of death is under investigation. 

The hotel has been identified as The Okura Prestige Taipei. According to Taiwan’s media reports, police investigations revealed that the man, surnamed Fung, had checked into the hotel on February 14 and was scheduled to check out on February 18.

At around 1pm on Wednesday, after housekeeping staff repeatedly called the extension and knocked on the door without receiving a response, they followed the relevant procedures to enter the room and found Fung inside deceased. 

The staff immediately reported to the police. Paramedics arrived and confirmed that the man had been dead for a period of time. Local police sealed off the room and the relevant floor and began collecting evidence and conducting investigations. 

Police have been reviewing the hotel’s CCTV footage to clarify the timeline of the deceased’s check-in and whether anyone else had entered or left his room. 

The Central News Agency reported that the Zhongshan Precinct of the Taipei City Police Department has collected evidence and initially ruled out foul play. They will report to the  Taipei District Prosecutors Office for an inquest to determine the exact cause of death. 

In response to inquiries from Sing Tao Headline, the sister publication of The Standard, the Hong Kong Immigration Department stated that it had been informed of the incident and had promptly provided appropriate advice and assistance to the family. 

The department will maintain close communication with the family and actively follow up on the case, offering feasible support as required.

EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, help is available. Dial 2896 0000 for The Samaritans or 2382 2007 for Suicide Prevention Services.

You can also call Suicide Prevention Services at 2382 0000 or CEASE Crisis Centre of Tung Wah Groups of Hospitals at 18281.The government hotline 18111 can provide support for people with mental health needs and render immediate mental health support and referral services.