S'pore man with cerebral palsy, 42, carried up Batu Caves annually by brother passes away

The 42-year-old Singaporean man who has cerebral palsy and known for being carried up Malaysia's Batu Caves by his brother each year during Thaipusam has died.

News of his passing was shared by his brother on Facebook on Aug. 30.

Sudden loss

In the Facebook post, Gunaseelan's brother, Suresh Vanaz, attached a notice of Gunaseelan's wake, which featured a Manchester United logo in the background.

It also stated that Gunaseelan passed away on Aug. 29.

"With a very heavy heart that I share the heartbreaking news that my beloved brother, Gunaseelan, has passed away peacefully," Suresh wrote in the post.

He described Gunaseelan's passing as a "sudden loss", and went on to say that Gunaseelan will "always hold a special place" in his heart.

Suresh also received numerous condolences from his Facebook followers.

Yearly trip to Batu Caves

The bond between Suresh and Gunaseelan was the subject of a feature by Malaysian media New Straits Times in 2025.

Suresh said then that the yearly trip to Batu Caves with Gunaseelan was his "duty" and "devotion".

"Caring for him, ensuring his happiness and well-being — that is my offering," Suresh told NST.

Due to logistical challenges, the pair had to forego their trip in 2025.

While Gunaseelan's dream is to travel the world, Suresh spoke of the challenges in helping his brother realise this.

Suresh is Gunaseelan's sole caregiver.

"I want to give him the best life could offer and I'm still working on it. I hope God is kind to me, granting me the great fortune and blessing to bring him along and show him the world," Suresh said.

Suresh also shared about the social stigma they faced while growing up, owing to his brother's disability, and how they challenged these perceptions.

“I just want him to experience life the way any other person would,” Suresh commented then.