Open verdict on academic, 28, found dead at beach

An inquest jury unanimously returned an open verdict yesterday in relation to the death of an assistant professor whose body was found on a beach three days after she disappeared.

The five-member jury found the cause of death of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology assistant professor Dr Christy Ong Cua, 28, was unknown after hearing that an autopsy had discovered no injuries on her body.

Cua's father, Cua Tiong Kun, told Coroner William Lam Kui-po his daughter, who started working at the university on August 13 and was from the Philippines, left her home in the university staff quarters at 10.30pm on September 19, 2000, saying she was going to do late-night work in her office.

Mr Cua, who was visiting his daughter with his wife from Manila at that time, said he had tried to phone Cua's office the next day but could not reach her. He and his wife then went to her office but she was not there.

Two days later, Cua's body was found at Pak Shui Wun beach in Sai Kung, about 1km from the university, by a Marine Department cleaner.

The jury recommended that the university enhance security systems.