S’pore man can’t claim body of ‘wife’ who died in her 60s as they weren’t legally married

An unidentified woman in her 60s passed away in Singapore in April 2026 and the police appealed for her next-of-kin to come forward.

However, a man, who identified himself as her "husband" of over 30 years, was unable to claim her body as the pair were not legally married.

A former resident of Bedok North, the woman passed away on Apr. 15.

She was referred to only as "Tan Ah May".

Shin Min Daily News reported that it subsequently located the woman's former residence.

Known for over 30 years

Speaking to Shin Min, Lü (transliterated), who lived in the same unit as Tan and identified as her "husband", said he had known her for over 30 years and had always called her "Ah Mei".

Lü noted that on the day she died, they had chatted until 2am and he did not notice anything unusual.

Later, when he woke up in the morning, he found that Tan, who always got up early, was still lying in bed.

Lü said it was a little after 7am and Tan was not up yet.

"I then realised she wasn’t responding, so I quickly called an ambulance," he added.

Responding to Mothership's queries, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said they received a call for assistance at Block 556 Bedok North Street 3 at about 7:20am on Apr. 15, 2026.

SCDF conveyed one person to Changi General Hospital.

Not legally married

Lü also said Tan, who was born in Indonesia and came to Singapore many years ago, had no friends or relatives here.

She reportedly lived with Lü for over 30 years.

She previously made a living by doing odd jobs, but could not handle tedious work because of her weak heart, Shin Min reported.

However, Lü apparently could not personally claim Tan's body and handle the funeral arrangements as they were not legally married.

"She's still inside (the morgue), and no one can claim her," Lü told Shin Min.

"She's very sensitive to the cold, and I hope we can help her get out as soon as possible so she can leave this world with dignity," he said.

Pair were loving couple: Neighbours

The couple had a good relationship, a neighbour attested.

Shin Min reported that residents in the block never heard the couple argue before.

Another neighbour said the pair addressed each other as "husband and wife" and were often seen together, adding that she felt sorry for the passing of the woman.

Long treated her as family

In addition, Lü said he and his parents had long treated Tan as family, adding that she had previously taken care of his parents before they passed away.

Tan also took care of Lü's living arrangements and dietary needs, Shin Min reported, adding that Lü had previously worked as a taxi driver. but has since retired.

Tan reportedly did not reveal too much of her personal details, but requested to celebrate her birthday on a fixed day every month.

As he had already planned to bring Tan to a nearby coffee shop to eat curry fish head on the week she died, Lü was devastated for many days when Tan died, Shin Min reported.

He only recently removed the bed she slept on, according to Shin Min, adding that this was reportedly done to avoid the sadness triggered by it.

Shin Min reported that the authorities may appoint an entity to handle funeral rites after a certain period has passed and the deceased person's body is still unclaimed.

This detail was disclosed by an individual who working in the funeral services industry.