SINGAPORE: In yet another heart-wrenching incident, the lifeless body of a senior citizen was discovered in his flat, sending shockwaves through the quiet neighbourhood of Toa Payoh.
The elderly man, who lived alone, was found at his unit at 174 Toa Payoh Lorong 1 after concerned neighbours noticed that the plants he had meticulously nurtured in the corridor began to wither. Believing the man must have gone overseas, a kind neighbour tended to the flowers before discovering what had happened.
The female neighbour residing in the same block, who wished to remain anonymous, shared her account of the situation with Channel 8 news. She noticed that the vibrant flowers and plants, lovingly planted by the elderly man in the corridor, had started wilting, and she decided to lend a hand by watering the plants.
Not content with just that, the caring neighbour went above and beyond to ensure the safety of the unattended unit. She took the initiative to gather scattered advertising leaflets, preventing the accumulation of clutter and deterring potential criminals who might target the vacant home.
Only on Saturday (24 June) did the neighbour’s younger brother visit her residence, intending to invite her for a karaoke session. As he passed by the unit where the elderly man lived, an unpleasant smell caught his attention.
Alarmed by the odour, the neighbour recognized something was amiss and contacted other residents on the same floor to investigate further.
The neighbours decided to report the situation to the police, fearing the worst for the elderly man’s well-being. At 2.50 pm on the same day, the authorities received a call for assistance and swiftly dispatched officers to the scene.
Upon their arrival, the police discovered the lifeless body of a 77-year-old man inside the unit. Preliminary investigations conducted at the scene indicated no signs of foul play.
Neighbours revealed that the deceased man shared the residence with an elderly woman several years ago. Described as approximately 170 cm tall, of average build, and possessing a reserved demeanour, the elderly man was known to have worked as a night shift security guard before his retirement.
The close-knit community of Toa Payoh mourns the loss of one of its own, grappling with a neighbour’s sudden and tragic passing. Police investigations are ongoing.