Singer Coco Lee Committed Suicide

Singer Coco Lee (李玟), 48, attempted suicide on July 2 at her home in Hong Kong. Her mother discovered her unconscious at home, and her elder sisters rushed Coco to the hospital. Falling into a coma, Coco died on July 5.

Her elder sister, Nancy, confirmed Coco had suffered from depression for several years prior to her death. “When Coco entered the hospital, doctors already said they could not save her due to brain death.” Coco’s mother was in shock and refused to accept that Coco would never wake up. “Our mother is already 86 years old. She was already a widow at 40 and had raised three daughters on her own. We begged doctors to try their best to give my mother and Coco another chance. We didn’t want to give up, even if there was the slightest chance of bringing her back. We truly thank the medical team for trying their best.”

Blazed New Trails for Asians

Born in Hong Kong, Coco’s family moved to San Francisco when she was 9 years old. She launched her music career after winning a singing contest in Hong Kong, and later became a sensation in Taiwan. Coco is best known for her international collaborations, and for blazing new trails for Asian artistes. In 2001, Coco became the first Chinese singer to perform at the Academy Awards with her rendition of  “A Love Before Time” for Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon <臥虎藏龍>. Coco also lent her powerful vocals to the Mandarin version of “Reflection” for Disney’s 2020 live-action adaptation of Mulan.

Behind her confident performances, Coco suffered from extensive pain in her left leg for years due to an unsuccessful surgery in her childhood. After a hip joint displacement last year, she received surgery in February. When her weight dropped to an alarming 93 pounds, it was speculated that Coco’s depression was exacerbated by divorce rumors. 

Despite Coco’s tragic decision to end her life, her sisters believe she is now at a better place without suffering. “We are very grateful and honored to have such an outstanding sister. We are grateful to God for giving us such a kind angel. We hope that now she has gone to a happier place, and no longer suffers from depression.” The Lee family stated, “In addition to missing Coco, we hope that others will share her iconic bright smile, treat people with sincerity, and convey kindness and love to everyone around you as per Coco’s wish.”

Sources: [1, 2, 3]