'I'm so tired': M'sia man, 57, collapses & dies after sweeping tombs for Qing Ming

A 57-year-old man in Malaysia died after collapsing at a cemetery during a tomb-sweeping visit.

According to Guangming Daily as cited by Chinapress, the man had gone alone to the Hang Kang Society South Kedah cemetery in Kulim, Kedah on Mar. 28 for Qing Ming Festival prayers.

Qing Ming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Festival, involves families visiting the tombs of their ancestors to clean the gravesites and make offerings.

The man was identified as Ye Jincai, who was from Air Itam, Penang and had travelled to Kedah.

It was reported that Ye's ancestors' grave was located at the bottom of the hill, and he had to climb up several steps to go back up.

It was during this climb that Ye unfortunately collapsed and passed away.

Fire while burning joss paper

While Ye was burning joss paper, a small fire started, and fire rescue had to be called.

Volunteer firefighters were called and quickly put out the fire.

Firefighters said Ye was conscious and speaking when they arrived.

After the fire was extinguished, he packed up his offerings and prepared to leave.

Collapsed while climbing hill

As Ye walked up the slope from the grave site, he appeared exhausted.

When the firefighters offered to help him, Ye reportedly declined.

At one point, Ye was said to be using his hands to climb up the hill.

He then sat down, saying, "I'm so tired, I don't want to come for Qing Ming again next year."

Moments later, he collapsed.

Firefighters immediately performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before he was taken to the hospital, but he later died.

Top photos from Guangming Daily