Third death at Dawson estate in a year highlights mental health concerns amid rising suicide cases

SINGAPORE — A 50-year-old man was found dead at the foot of Block 88 Dawson Road on 7 September 2025, according to 8World News. The police said they received a call for assistance at about 7.25pm that evening. Paramedics from the Singapore Civil Defence Force pronounced the man dead at the scene.

In a statement, the police said that based on preliminary investigations, no foul play is suspected. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

The death marks the third such case reported at the SkyVille @ Dawson estate in less than a year. On 3 February, a 20-year-old man was found dead at Block 88 Dawson Road in what police classified as a fall from height. Earlier, on 26 December 2024, a 19-year-old man was discovered dead at the same block, in what was classified as an unnatural death.

A separate case occurred on 9 May 2023, when a 19-year-old youth fell from a high floor of Block 89 Dawson Road and was pronounced dead at the scene.

These repeated incidents have drawn concern from residents and observers, who note the frequency of deaths within the same housing estate. While police have not indicated any connection between the cases, the pattern has renewed public discussion on mental health, social isolation, and community support networks.

The recent case also coincides with broader national concerns over rising suicide rates in Singapore. According to provisional data released by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in July, the country recorded 314 suicide deaths in 2024. Suicide has remained the leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 29 for six consecutive years.

The 2024 figure is slightly lower than the 322 provisional cases reported for 2023. However, ICA later revised the 2023 total upward to 434 suicide deaths, representing a 34.8 per cent increase compared with earlier estimates.

Mental health professionals have expressed alarm over these figures, noting a significant rise in suicide cases among adults aged 30 to 39 — the steepest increase among all age groups. Experts suggest that factors such as financial pressure, workplace stress, and family responsibilities have contributed to this rise.

Authorities have emphasised that tackling mental health issues requires community engagement, open dialogue, and stronger support networks. The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) have continued expanding outreach initiatives and partnerships with community groups to encourage early intervention.

Organisations such as the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) and the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) have also stepped up efforts to provide 24-hour hotlines, online chat services, and public education campaigns aimed at reducing stigma and promoting mental wellness.

Community advocates have urged the public to be more vigilant about signs of distress among friends, family members, and neighbours, particularly within high-density housing estates like Dawson. They emphasise that early detection and empathy can play a crucial role in preventing further loss of life.

As investigations into the latest Dawson Road case continue, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the growing mental health challenges facing Singapore. Authorities and mental health professionals continue to call for sustained collective effort — from government agencies, workplaces, and communities — to provide better emotional and psychological support for those in need.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please seek help immediately. In Singapore, you can contact the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) at 1-767 or text 9151 1767 for support. You’re not alone, and help is available.