Hong Kong's first Ombudsman, Arthur Garcia, has died after collapsing at his home in Happy Valley.
Garcia was taken to Ruttonjee Hospital in Wan Chai after complaining of feeling unwell after midnight on Wednesday, his wife Hilda said.
Garcia lost consciousness before the ambulance arrived and was certified dead at the hospital, she said. He was 86.
The couple, who had been married for more than 60 years, have two sons. 'My husband was a very frank person and he loved Hong Kong,' his wife said.
Garcia was the city's first Ombudsman, serving under British rule from 1989 to 1994. Before that, he was one of four High Court judges, having served as a magistrate and judge for 30 years. He took part in the selection of the first chief executive of the special administrative region in late 1996 and was also a member of the Hong Kong Press Council.
The Office of the Ombudsman expressed sadness yesterday over his death. 'Arthur Garcia was a pioneer of ombudsmanship and has made a significant contribution in promoting open, fair and effective public administration during his tenure.'