Abroad
Hong Kong man, 92, dies after allegedly choking on glutinous rice balls on 2nd day of CNY
The man was unconscious when officers arrived.
February 20, 2026, 11:01 AM
A 92-year-old man in Hong Kong died after allegedly choking on glutinous rice balls on Feb. 18, the second day of the Chinese New Year.
Glutinous rice balls, or tang yuan, are traditional desserts typically eaten during festive periods like the Chinese New Year.
Choked on glutinous rice balls
The incident happened at the man’s residence in Kowloon.
According to local media HK01, the man suffers from hypertension and eye disease, requiring long-term bed rest.
On Feb. 18, his wife was reportedly feeding him glutinous rice balls when he suddenly choked.
She immediately notified their daughter to call for help and administered first aid.
The man, who was unconscious when officers arrived, was taken to United Christian Hospital in Kwun Tong for treatment.
He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
An autopsy will be done to investigate the cause of death.
Top photos from Canva and HK01
