Deaths of mother and daughter on same day raise concerns over academic pressure

Mother, 48, and daughter, 12, fell from same flat hours apart after reported argument over studies, raising concerns over parental pressure and youth mental support

Hong Kong parents have voiced shock and grief over the apparent suicide of a mother and daughter on Wednesday, believed to be tied to academic pressure, with education leaders calling for stronger mental health support for families and youth.

Police said a 48-year-old woman died after falling from her flat in Taikoo Shing, while a source told the South China Morning Post that her 12-year-old daughter was found dead at the scene about 10 hours later after also plunging from the same unit.

The circumstances of the incident remain under investigation, but the source said the pair had argued over academic issues beforehand.

A registered clinical psychologist questioned why the 12-year-old remained in the flat after witnessing her mother’s death and whether she had been accompanied by anyone at home.

Lawmaker Elaine Chik Kit-ling on Thursday expressed profound grief and extended her deepest condolences to the deceased’s family.

“The tragedy is heartbreaking, and it once again reminds society that family emotional support, youth mental health, and parent-child communication cannot be overlooked,” she said.