Man’s partner of 30 years dies, now unable to claim her body
A 67-year-old man in Singapore has been left heartbroken and distressed after the sudden passing of his partner of more than 30 years.
As the couple had not officially registered their marriage, he is prevented from claiming her body from the mortuary to arrange for her funeral.
“She was always afraid of the cold,” said Mr Loo. “I just want to settle her affairs as soon as possible.”
Police are looking for woman’s next of kin
Shin Min Daily News reported that an appeal for the woman’s next-of-kin has been issued by the Singapore Police Force (SPF).
The appeal, posted on Wednesday (29 April), notes that the “unidentified woman” is known as ‘Tan Ah May’.
Ah May, believed to be in her 60s, passed away on 15 April, and lived in a flat at Block 556, Bedok North Street 3.
Partner shared they had been chatting the night before her passing
Mr Loo recounted the events leading up to his partner’s death.
Source: Rido on Canva, for illustration purposes only.
He explained that they had been chatting late into the night on the day of her passing.
However, when he woke up at 7am, he found Ah May, who was usually an early riser, unresponsive in bed.
Despite immediately calling for an ambulance, she was later pronounced dead.
Deceased moved from Indonesia to Singapore
Ah May, originally from Indonesia, had reportedly moved to Singapore many years ago.
She worked various odd jobs, but her health, specifically her weak heart, had prevented her from doing heavy labour.
Source: Davorlovincic on Canva, for illustration purposes only.
She had no known relatives in the city and had spent more than 30 years living with Mr Loo.
However, they were never formally married and now, Mr Loo is facing a significant legal barrier.
Man can’t claim partner’s body as they did not register their marriage
In Singapore, only legal next-of-kin, such as blood relatives or a legal spouse, are authorised to claim a body from the state mortuary.
As a result, Mr Loo has been unable to claim Ah May’s body, and she remains in the mortuary, two weeks after her death.
“She is still in there. No one can claim her. She hates the cold,” said Mr Loo, who broke down in front of reporters.
“I just want to bring her out so she can leave with dignity.”
Neighbours described them as devoted couple
Neighbours described Mr Loo and Ah May as an affectionate couple who always referred to each other as husband and wife.
One male neighbour confirmed that the two were very close, and rarely fought.
A female neighbour described Ah May as a quiet and gentle person.
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Featured image adapted from Rido on Canva and Davorlovincic on Canva, for illustration purposes only.
