Taiwanese artiste Rong Xiang dies at age 44

Taiwanese artiste Rong Xiang died of a heart attack this morning when he was out with his friends at a karaoke joint in Taipei.

The 44-year-old reportedly fainted after feeling unwell at the gathering, and was rushed to the Taiwan Adventist Hospital in Taipei. Despite a two-hour attempt to revive him, Rong Xiang was pronounced dead at about 4am.

His wife confirmed the news of his death, and told reporters that Rong Xiang had been extremely tired recently and drank alcohol at the gathering, which probably led to his death.

Rong Xiang’s father and brother were unable to see him for the last time although they rushed to the hospital immediately after receiving news of his heart attack.

Rong Xiang came from a military family – his father served in the navy and was the guard of Taiwan’s late president Chiang Ching-kuo.

The actor was commonly known as the assistant of veteran singer Chyi Chin and famous Taiwanese host Hu Gua before he shot to fame with his role in Chinese movie Crazy Racer. He was subsequently invited to star in Taiwanese movie Gangster Rock and drama Independent Heroes.