Family, friends and supporters continue to mourn Godfrey Gao, whose sudden death last Wednesday reminded the public of the dangers of overwork and stress.
The 35-year-old Taiwanese Canadian actor-model succumbed to cardiac arrest while filming an episode of “Chase Me,” a Chinese variety show that puts celebrities’ athletic abilities to the test.
Gao’s remains arrived in Taiwan to his family on Dec. 2.
On the same day, Taiwanese outlet United Daily News (UDN) published a video documenting his final journey from the airport to the funeral parlor.
The heartbreaking video begins with a clip from Gao’s Instagram, which shows him bidding goodnight to the camera.
“It’s time for me to go to bed. I’ve got a flight to catch tomorrow. All right, peace,” he says.
The video cuts to the arrival of Gao’s casket at the airport, where it was handled carefully through its transport to a local funeral home.
A large crowd is seen gathering outside of the funeral home as the actor’s remains approached.
The video features his parents, his brother and his girlfriend, Bella Su.
Inside the funeral home, dozens of funeral bouquets surround his altar, some of which came from his agency, JetStar Entertainment, and other celebrities.
Gao’s death last week shocked fans worldwide, with many taking to social media to get “Chase Me” canceled.
Zhejiang TV, the network behind the reality show, has since taken responsibility for Gao’s death, but it has not apologized for the matter until today, according to CGTN.
The incident also raised questions about China’s efficiency in delivering first aid.
Data from its National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases reportedly show a rescue rate of less than 1% for cardiac arrests, which total to 540,000 cases a year.
Additionally, as of 2018, there are only about 15,000 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) installed in public places throughout the country, which currently nests a population of 1.3 billion.
To address the issue, health officials reportedly released an action plan for 2019-2030 that aims to improve the country’s first aid delivery system, as well as its medical facilities in public places.
Fans commented on UDN’s video:
“Seeing his parents breaks my heart.”
“Your sudden departure is still very unreal.”
“This kind of home is the most heartbreaking.”
“The moment I saw his casket shipped out, my heart broke.”
“Thank you for coming to this world. It was once beautiful because of you.”
Feature Images via @godfreygao (Left) and 噓!星聞 (Right)
