Decomposed body of elderly woman found in Bedok flat after blood seeps into neighbour’s home

The body of a 77-year-old woman was discovered in her Bedok South flat on 25 May 2025, after her neighbours reported blood seeping from their ceiling and an overpowering stench.

Police have confirmed that no foul play is suspected, though investigations remain ongoing.

Discovery triggered by blood leaking into flat below

The incident took place at Block 163 Bedok South Road. According to Shin Min Daily News, a family living directly below the unit noticed blood dripping from their master bedroom ceiling shortly after 1pm.

Seventy-year-old resident Zeng said her son was the first to notice the unsettling sight. “I saw blood dripping and even smelled a foul odour,” she told reporters. Alarmed, the family went upstairs and found the deceased woman’s sister outside the unit. They persuaded her to call the police.

Police and investigators arrive

Authorities arrived at the scene around 2.05pm, cordoning off the corridor outside the flat. A crime scene investigation vehicle was also deployed to the block.

Residents described the smell as overwhelming. Ou, 72, Zeng’s husband, said the stench was so intense that it was difficult to remain in their flat. “The smell is unbearable. We will sleep in the guest room first and contact the authorities later to see how to solve the problem,” he said.

By 6pm, an undertaker’s vehicle arrived to remove the body, which had been found in an advanced state of decomposition.

A woman known as “Nancy”

Neighbours identified the deceased, who lived alone, only by her nickname “Nancy”. Residents said she had lived in the flat for more than two decades and generally kept to herself.

Her sister had reportedly visited earlier that morning around 10am but received no response when she knocked. Neighbour Salama, 61, recalled that she had asked if he had seen Nancy. “We knocked on the door and could already smell a stench coming from inside,” he said.

Early warning signs ignored

Another neighbour pointed out that a food delivery bag had been hanging on Nancy’s doorknob for two days — possibly an early indication that something was wrong.

Nancy’s sister had attempted to retrieve a spare key but was unsuccessful. She then sought the help of a locksmith, who declined to open the door after detecting the strong smell from inside.

It was only after the neighbours downstairs noticed blood dripping into their unit that she agreed to contact the authorities.

Police statement

In response to media queries, the police confirmed they had received a call for assistance at the block. Officers found the woman lying motionless in her flat and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary investigations have ruled out foul play, though the official cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

Neighbours shaken by incident

Residents in the block expressed shock and sadness at the circumstances of the discovery. Some said the smell on the upper floor had been almost unbearable throughout the afternoon.

Several residents also expressed sympathy for the deceased’s sister, who appeared distraught during the events.

Zeng said: “It is very sad because she lived alone, and no one realised something was wrong until the smell became very strong.”

Broader issue of seniors living alone

The incident has once again drawn attention to the challenges faced by elderly Singaporeans who live alone, especially in ageing housing estates.

According to government data, nearly 80,000 seniors were living alone in Singapore as of 2020, a figure expected to rise with demographic shifts.

Community groups and social workers have long highlighted the risk of isolation and delayed detection when elderly residents experience medical emergencies or pass away unnoticed.

Past similar incidents

This is not the first case in Singapore where the discovery of a decomposed body was prompted by unusual signs noticed by neighbours.

In previous cases, foul odours, uncollected mail, or insect infestations led to police checks that revealed elderly residents had died in their homes days earlier.

Authorities have encouraged residents to look out for neighbours living alone, particularly seniors, and to report unusual signs promptly.

Community support networks

Organisations such as the Silver Generation Office, grassroots groups, and voluntary welfare organisations have stepped up outreach efforts in recent years to support isolated seniors.

These include regular home visits, befriending programmes, and emergency response systems to detect potential problems more quickly.

Social service professionals have also urged family members to maintain frequent contact with elderly relatives living alone and to establish check-in routines.

Investigations ongoing

While foul play has been ruled out in this case, police investigations are continuing. An autopsy is expected to clarify the cause and timing of the woman’s death.

For now, the incident has left neighbours unsettled, with some taking temporary measures to cope with the lingering smell in their homes.

Authorities are also expected to assist affected residents with cleaning and sanitation.