Photo: Instagram (@ayrton_holt)
We never know what one is going through - success and fame doesn’t necessarily mean all is bright and well.
Yesterday was a dark day for Sarawak athlete Ayrton Lim’s family and friends. The 19 year old swimmer had represented the state in SUKMA just last year and only recently got back from training in Singapore.
His mother came home after picking up his younger sibling from school only to discover him unconscious in the living room of their family home in Tabuan Labu at around noon yesterday.
She immediately called an ambulance, but it was too late - Ayrton was declared dead at the scene. The body has since been sent to the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) and a police report lodged for further investigation.
According to The Borneo Post, Kuching district police chief CP Awang Din Awang Gani confirmed the incident and said the case has been classified as sudden death. He said that early investigations revealed no signs of foul play and that the deceased is believed to have suffered from depression for at least the past three days.
This belief seems to be in line with the last Instagram story Ayrton posted - a cryptic message saying “It has been a wonderful 19 years and I’m grateful if you’re part of it”.
Many netizens have been sharing their condolences after news of his death surfaced, urging those undergoing depression to speak to counsellors and get the help they need.
While there are a fair number of people under the assumption that he committed suicide, official investigations have revealed there were no criminal elements involved, and jumping to conclusions will do nothing but cause more grief for the family. As of now, the case has been classified as sudden death.
Photo: Instagram (@ayrton_holt)
We know the battle isn’t easy, but ending it is never the solution. If you need emotional support or any other issues you need guidance for, you can always call Befrienders KL at 03-79568145.
Our hearts go out to Ayrton and his family.
By: Celestine Foo
