While the hotel roof was searched soon after Lam disappeared, nothing was initially found (via Biography). In fact, it wasn’t until 19 days after Lam was first reported missing that there was the first hint that her body might be on the roof (via The Wrap). Guests started complaining that their water pressure was lower than they had expected. Moreover, they said that the water had a strange taste to it. A maintenance worker was sent to check that everything was functioning properly at the rooftop water tanks and discovered Lam’s body in one of the tanks.
Since it took 19 days to find Lam, her body was significantly decomposed. Other unusual factors of the case included the fact that the hatch on the water tank was closed, trapping her inside. Additionally, Lam’s clothes were found separate from her body inside the tank, according to The Wrap. And while the staircase to the roof had an alarm that should have alerted staff if a guest like Lam tried to climb to the roof, it was never tripped.
However, Lam’s death was eventually ruled an accidental drowning. Police found no signs of foul play at the scene, and Lam’s bipolar disorder was listed by the coroner as a potential contributing factor to her death (via The Wrap). Still, many alternate theories continue to circle the internet, leading some to wonder if Lam’s cause of death was ever really solved.
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