Dad of six who was sole breadwinner dies at 52, after more than decade of paralysis
Trixy Toh
TNP
Oct 10, 2025
Left paralysed after a stroke in 2011, a 52-year-old who had been the sole breadwinner for his family has died, leaving behind his wife and six children.
Mei Yuan Wei (transliterated), died of pneumonia on Oct 7. Before his stroke, he had worked as a delivery driver at a hardware store, supporting his wife Lin Meifang, 51, and their children, Shin Min Daily News reported.
Family relied on relatives, friends, public assistance
In Aug 2011, Mei was hospitalised due to a blocked artery and underwent a balloon angioplasty. Within 24 hours, he suffered a stroke and required emergency brain surgery which left him paralysed on the left side of his body and bedridden.
The family's financial situation collapsed, forcing them to rely on relatives, friends, and public assistance to make ends meet.
The couple's third daughter, Mei Wang Yongling (transliterated), 20, told Shin Min that her mother and sisters had been Mei's primary caregivers. She often helped monitor her father's blood pressure and blood sugar as well.
"Dad used to be able to shower himself, but as time went by, he spent more time lying down," she said, adding that she eventually needed help to turn him over as he had grown heavier.
'I believe time will ease the pain'
Ms Mei said her father appeared unwell on Oct 3, with oxygen levels lower than usual. After consulting their family doctor, they sent him to hospital where he was diagnosed with pneumonia.
He died four days later.
His wife told Shin Min she could not accept the sudden death of her husband. "For now, I don't have any plans. I've lost a companion, but I believe time will ease the pain," she said.
Mr Mei's wake is being held at Block 2 Eunos Crecent on Oct 9.
