Quadriplegic Tang Siu-pun, who stirred debate on euthanasia, dies

Quadriplegic Tang Siu-pun, whose appeal for the right to end his life sparked widespread discussion about euthanasia, died yesterday. He was 43.

"When he left us, all his family members, friends and classmates were beside him," a family statement said. "He left at ease, without any suffering."

Secretary for Food and Health Dr Ko Wing-man described him as a "warrior of life".

Tang, more popularly known by the nickname Ah Bun, was admitted to the Caritas Medical Centre in Sham Shui Po on Friday. He died of septicaemia, a condition in which disease-causing bacteria enters the bloodstream.

Tang went through his final hours accompanied by family and close friends. They said he left without suffering.

"We told him not to be worried," said Lawrence Lee Hei-sum, a schoolmate and long-time friend.

"[But] everything came so suddenly."