Singapore Mourns Death of Actor Aloysius Pang After Military Accident in New Zealand
By Carl Samson
January 24, 2019
Aloysius Pang, 28, succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday following an accident inside a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) howitzer in New Zealand last week.
On reservist duty, the Singaporean actor was carrying out repair works with two other SAF personnel inside the self-propelled howitzer when the gun was lowered and injured him.
The Ministry of Defence released a statement on Wednesday night announcing an independent Committee of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances leading to Pang’s death.
It also extended condolences to his family and promised to “continue to render assistance and support in their time of loss.”
“Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Operationally Ready National Serviceman, Corporal First Class (National Service) [CFC (NS)] Pang Wei Chong, Aloysius passed away at 2045hrs on 23 January 2019 (SG time) at Waikato Hospital, New Zealand.
“An Armament Technician from the 268th Battalion Singapore Artillery, CFC (NS) Pang was carrying out repair works inside the Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer (SSPH) with two other SAF personnel on 19 January 2019 at Waiouru Training Area, New Zealand.”
The ministry continued, “Unfortunately, CFC (NS) Pang sustained injuries when the gun barrel was lowered. He was evacuated to Waikato Hospital, a regional trauma centre where he underwent a number of surgeries to treat his injuries.
“Despite surgical attempts to repair damaged organs and putting him on artificial life support, CFC (NS) Pang succumbed to the injuries and passed away.”
Pang, who sustained injuries in the chest and abdomen, was carrying out the repair works during an annual live-firing exercise called Thunder Warrior. He underwent an abdominal surgery on the same evening and a follow-up operation on Monday, according to The Straits Times.
Unfortunately, his condition worsened and required another surgery on Tuesday. From there, he needed artificial support for several vital organs, including his kidneys, lungs and heart.
Pang’s family, who released a statement through his Instagram page, said that they all “broke down” after learning that he was not getting better.
“Throughout the past few days in the hospital, it has been a difficult time for us. Every news that were brought upon us since his last op was devastating with little signs of hope on his recovery.
“We all broke down when the medical team spoke to us that his condition is worsening and we should be prepared for the worst. We’re going to lose a brother. And my parents are going to lose their precious son whom is only 28.”
Hours after Pang’s death, actress Jayley Woo came out to reveal their relationship in a heartbreaking note on Instagram.
“I have lost my world,” Woo said, according to Asia One. “Why did you leave me behind without a word?”
The post included two pictures of the couple during happier times.
“In this life, I did not have the good fortune to become your wife. Let’s get married in the next life,” Woo wrote.
Pang, who had been acting from age nine, received multiple accolades throughout his career. He started out in management company Mediacorp before signing on with NoonTalk Media.
Both companies released statements on Facebook:
Many local celebrities also took to social media to mourn his death, including Zoe Tay, Rebecca Lim, Tosh Zhang, DJ Dee Kosh, Seraph Sun, Chase Tan, May Phua and Zheng Geping, to name a few.
Netizens have expressed condolences on Twitter:
Pang was due to shoot a new series called “My One in a Million” next month.
Featured images via Instagram / aloypang
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