Who was Hong Kong model Abby Choi, and why was she killed?
Abby Choi shocked many people when her gruesome murder was reported in late February.
According to AFP, the Hong Kong model was killed and dismembered amid a financial dispute with her ex-husband and the latter’s family. Her partial remains have been discovered in a house set up as a butchery site, complete with an electric saw and meat grinder “that had been used to mince human flesh.” Her former lover—as well as his mother, father, and brother—have been arrested by police.
“We believe the victim and her ex-husband’s family had many financial disputes involving huge sums,” superintendent Alan Chung told reporters, adding that “someone was dissatisfied with how the victim handled her assets, which became a motive to kill.”
Who was Abby Choi?
Choi was a Hong Kong model who got featured in various fashion magazines like Vogue and Elle, among others. Just last week, she appeared as the cover girl of L’Officiel Monaco for its February issue. As the magazine publication said, she was “one of the most sought-after influencers in the industry” with over 100,000 followers from different parts of the globe.
According to L'Officiel Monaco, Choi's "keen eye for style and her ability to mix and match pieces in unexpected ways has made her a true trendsetter, with fans from all over the world following her every move."
The style icon was a regular attendee of the Paris Fashion Week. She also enjoyed showcasing her elegant chic style not only on her Instagram page, but also at prestigious fashion events and professional photoshoots. "I am a person who keeps absorbing inspiration and always tries new styles. Sometimes, I also try to dress up more extravagant, by mixing and combining different looks," she said in her interview with the fashion magazine.
Only 28 years old, the socialite had a reported net worth of HK$100 million (over P700 million). The Straits Times stated in a report that she “hailed from a wealthy family with business dealings in China.” Aside from letting her relatives live in a luxury apartment, she also provided financial support to her brother-in-law when he purchased his own home.
Choi had two children with her ex-husband Alex Kwong. The Straits Times said it’s unclear when they got divorced, but she had a wedding ceremony with her new partner Tam Chuk Kwan in 2016, with whom she shared two other kids.
Kwan referred to Choi as a “kind-hearted and good person who always wanted to help others.”
“She supported me and loved me very much. She also brought up four cute and obedient kids. It has been a blessing to be Abby’s family or friend,” he added.
The Standard reported that Kwan has made a promise to look after Choi’s four children, “including two with her ex-husband who are currently with Choi’s mother," after her death.
Rest in peace, Abby Choi.
