Coco Lee, Hong Kong-born singer-songwriter, dies at 48 after suicide attempt

Hong Kong-born American singer Coco Lee tragically passed away at the age of 48 on Wednesday following a suicide attempt that left her in a coma. The devastating news was confirmed by Lee's two sisters, Carol and Nancy Lee, who released a statement on Instagram and Facebook.

Lee breathed her last at Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong, the city she had called home. Despite her efforts to seek professional help and battle depression, the statement from her sisters revealed that the internal demons she faced ultimately overwhelmed her.

"On 2 July, she committed suicide at home and was sent to the hospital. Despite the best efforts of the hospital team to rescue and treat her from her coma, she finally passed away on 5 July, 2023," the statement read.

The late singer enjoyed a successful career that spanned approximately three decades. Among her notable achievements was her role as the Mandarin-language voice of the female warrior Mulan in Disney's Mulan. Additionally, she gained recognition for her captivating performance of the Oscar-nominated song "A Love Before Time" from the renowned film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Coco Lee was born in Hong Kong in 1975 and was the youngest of three siblings. Her mother, a Hong Kong Cantonese, and her Malaysian father raised them. Tragically, Lee's father passed away before her birth, and when she was only nine years old, her mother relocated the family to San Francisco, United States. Lee's promising music career prompted her to leave her studies at the University of California, Irvine, after graduating from high school in 1992.

In 1996, Lee signed a recording contract with Sony Music Entertainment, marking a significant milestone in her journey. Her debut album, titled "Coco Lee," became the best-selling album of the year in Asia, solidifying her status as a rising star.

Lee's exceptional talent and captivating presence garnered her a devoted fan base in both Asia and the United States. This growing popularity opened doors to exciting collaborations and opportunities to release English-language songs, further expanding her reach.

Throughout her career, Lee released 18 studio albums and showcased her acting prowess in three films, most notably Lee Xin's "Master of Everything" and Stanley Kwan's "No Tobacco."

In 2011, Coco Lee tied the knot with Bruce Rockowitz, a Canadian businessman who previously served as the CEO of the prominent Hong Kong supply chain company Li & Fung. Rockowitz survives her, along with her sisters and two stepdaughters.

The music industry and fans worldwide mourn the loss of Coco Lee, remembering her as a talented and versatile artist who made a significant impact with her contributions to music and film. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations and serve as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and seeking support in times of need.