28th January 2025 – (Hong Kong) Authorities are investigating the discovery of a burned body at Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre on Lantau Island last Sunday (26th January). After days of examining CCTV footage and interviewing local merchants, police have identified the deceased as a 31-year-old man from mainland China.
The man reportedly entered Hong Kong on 21 January and checked into a hotel in Tung Chung the following day. At 2am on 23rd January, he left the hotel carrying a large quantity of joss papers and took a taxi to Inspiration Lake. He did not return to the hotel and was found days later under a tree near the recreation centre, with a lighter lying beside him.
The body was severely burned from the lower legs upwards, rendering the face and gender unrecognisable. During the investigation, officers discovered a piece of joss paper in the man’s shoe, bearing the name of a shop. Further inquiries led police to the shop, where they identified a customer matching the man’s description who had purchased a large amount of joss papers.
Tracing his movements back to the Tung Chung hotel, authorities confirmed the man’s identity and his actions leading up to his death. The case is currently being treated as a suspected suicide, and the man’s relatives have been contacted for further information.
Following the incident, the Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre has been closed, with staff stationed at the entrance. The official website indicates the facility will remain shut until further notice.
