Taiwanese influencer found dead in Kuala Lumpur hotel, murder investigation underway

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Iris Hsieh’s unforeseen and catastrophic passing stunned followers all over Asia and immediately triggered an all-out murder inquiry into the Taiwanese influencer’s sudden demise in Malaysia.

Hsieh, 31, who was known for her glamorous lifestyle and had more than half a million Instagram followers, was found dead in a hotel bathtub in Kuala Lumpur on October 22.

The Malaysian police have verified and established that eminent Malaysian movie producer and rapper Namewee was also in the same hotel room during the tragic incident. He was purportedly the last person seen with the influencer before her tragic end. Investigators are now reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing hotel staff to piece together her final hours.

Police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said that the investigation is ongoing and “looking at all possible angles”.

“We will review all movements of both the victim and the person last seen with her to determine whether he is a suspect,” he added.

In an emotional Instagram post on Sunday, Namewee expressed sorrow over Hsieh’s passing, saying he was “deeply sorry” and claiming the ambulance took nearly an hour to arrive. He also denied any involvement with drugs, addressing rumours circulating online.

“The truth will be out when the police report is released,” he wrote. “At most, I’ve just been drinking more lately.”

Last month, Namewee was arrested over alleged drug possession and use but was later released on bail.

What was initially classified as a sudden death has now been reclassified as murder, according to the New Straits Times. Police have promised a “comprehensive investigation”, while speculation and debate swirl on social media in both Malaysia and Taiwan.

Hsieh’s passing left many followers grieving the loss of a vivacious online character whose existence, long lived in the public eye, concluded in a heartbreaking mystery.