MUSIC fans and industry figures were last night mourning the death of Canto-pop star Danny Chan Pak-keung, who had been in a coma at Queen Mary Hospital for 17 months after a suspected drug overdose.
Relatives and showbiz friends flocked to Chan's 21st-floor room after doctors reported that the 35-year-old singer's condition had become critical.
He died of brain stem failure at 12.12 pm, a hospital spokesman said.
Chan had been kept alive on a respirator since collapsing at his MacDonnell Road apartment on May 18 last year. His mother, Chan Yiu Yuk-mui, had maintained a vigil at his bedside for much of the time.
Those arriving at the hospital yesterday afternoon to pay their respects included singer Sandy Lam, film star Cheri Chung, Director of Broadcasting Cheung Man-yee and members of the band Grasshopper.
The singer's father, Chan Pang-fei, who had to be escorted from the hospital by relatives, said: ''I believe Danny will feel our love and concern.'' The singer-composer shot to fame after winning a music contest at the age of 19.
His 1977 debut album, Tears In My Heart, won the hearts of a legion of teenage fans and he quickly tried his hand at film acting.