A Hong Kong firefighter died in the line of duty just one month before his wedding, prompting an outpouring of grief across the city for his personal sacrifice.
Ho Wai-ho, 37, was preparing to marry his fiancée, with whom he had shared a relationship for over a decade. Their upcoming wedding had been a topic of his social media posts.
His fiancée later shared a poignant message online, stating, “My superhero has completed his mission and returned to Krypton.”
Ho, who had previously served as a special airport officer, joined the Hong Kong Fire Services Department nine years ago.
He arrived at the scene of a residential building fire at approximately 3:01 PM local time in Hong Kong. He entered the building to search for trapped residents but lost contact with his team around 3:30 PM.
Fellow firefighters later discovered Ho unconscious in an open area outside the building. He had sustained severe burns to his face.
Despite immediate medical attention, doctors pronounced him dead at 4:45 PM at the hospital.
In response to his death, the Hong Kong Fire Services Department adjusted its official website to a black and white display as a mark of respect and mourning.
Colleagues took to social media to share photographs with Ho, accompanying them with messages such as “Will not forget you” and “Rest in peace.”
Numerous internet users also expressed their condolences on Ho’s Instagram page, with many comments hailing him as a “hero of Hong Kong.”