The lone dead: North Bridge Road Market & Food Centre

Mr Low Zheng Guang, 66, a cleaner at the hawker centre, told Shin Min Daily News he observed that the deceased was resting his head on the table, and he initially thought he had too much of a drink the previous night and was merely sleeping.

In fact, the person, who appears to be in his 50s, was already seen in that position at 3 am on March 19. Several stallholders, when interviewed, also reported seeing the same person in the same position, throughout the whole of yesterday.

Stallholders, who were interviewed by Shin Min, said that it was a common sight to see elderly or drunk persons taking a short nap at the hawker centre in the afternoon.

Mr Low also mentioned that, if they were disturbed, it was not uncommon for some drunk persons to make a racket at the scene. As such, erring on the side of caution, he did not disturb the man who was see resting on the table. ,

Photo source: Shin Min Daily News, 20 March 2023

He also told the press that in the morning, the deceased was seen carrying a red bag, but by the evening, the same red bag was seen placed besides him. As late as 6pm, eyewitnesses said that the deceased was still heard snoring and was even seen stretching himself.

However, by 8pm on the same evening, after nudging the person for at least three minutes, he remains motionless. It was then that Mr Low realised that something may be amiss and sought help.

When paramedics arrived, Mr Low noticed that the person appears to be short of breath, and his face and nails were turning green.

The paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

A police spokesman, after 4 hours of investigation at the scene, confirmed the death of a 56-year-old man.

Preliminary investigations do not indicate foul play. 

Photo source: Shin Min Daily News, 20 March 2023

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