Photo: Aloysius Pang/Instagram
Singaporean actor Aloysius Pang died on Wednesday, after being crushed during a military training exercise in New Zealand. He was 28.
Before his death, Pang wascarrying out repairson a Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer, a large motorized weapon, and as the gun barrel was lowered, the actor’s chest and abdomen were crushed, according to theWashington Post.
The Defense Ministry also announced that an independent committee would be organized to investigate the incident.
In Singapore,military serviceis compulsory. All male citizens are required toserve for two yearsas part of the National Service, beginning around the time they are 18. After completing their full-time service, male citizens can still be called to serve a maximum of 40 days of service annually.
Pang had already completed his full-time service and had a rank of corporal first class.
Before his death, the actor starred in the 2016 filmYoung & Fabulousand also appeared in television seriesThe Truth SeekersandC.L.I.F.
Aloysius Pang/Instagram
Pang’s last social media posts came earlier this month, as he shared with his followers that he had to “serve our country” in New Zealand.
Days later he added, “Off to serve our country. Back at the end of the month! May not be able to post much when I’m there so 等我回来 yeah =) “
After hearing of Pang’s injury, his family flew to New Zealand, although according to theWashington Post, his older brother Kenny did not have a chance to speak with him before his death.
“He’s the precious of our family. He’s the youngest. He’s the most loved,” Kenny said after returning to Singapore on Thursday, according to the outlet. “To reciprocate that … he has also given us all the support and all the love he can.”
Pang’s girlfriend, actress Jayley Woo also shared numerousheartfelt tributeson social media, writing in one, “I did not have the good fortune to become your wife. Let’s get married in the next life,” according toTheStraits Timesnewspaper.
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As a result of Pang’s death, on Thursday, Singapore’s military said they would bemodifying their training programsfor the foreseeable future.
“This reduction of training tempo … will be enforced for as long as it takes for us to get it right. And we want to do it right, we want to do it safe for every activity, we want to do it right every time,” Chief of Defence Force Melvyn Ong said during a briefing, according toThe New Straits Times.
Pang’s body has since beenbrought home to Singapore, the Ministry of Defense said in a statement on Friday.
A military funeral will be held for the actor, and a cremation ceremony will be held for Pang at Mandai Crematorium on Sunday, according to the statement.
NoonTalk Media, Pang’s Singapore agency, also shared on Facebook that fans of the actor will be able to pay their respects over the weekend, following aprivate wakefor the family on Saturday morning.
source: people.com
