KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians took to cyberspace to express their grief and sympathy over the death of marathon runner Evelyn Ang, who had been in a coma following a hit-and-run accident in December.
Immediately following news of her death, “Evelyn Ang” became a top trending topic for Malaysia on Twitter.
Twitter user @yoongkhean described Ang’s passing as heart-breaking.
"Saddest news to wake up to this morning. Rest in peace, @missyblurkit. You are in a better place now,” he wrote.
Another Twitter user, @Aweeff, bid a sad farewell to Ang.
"Goodbye, Evelyn Ang. A sad day for the Malaysian (running) community..,” he wrote.
Netizen Zurairi A.R. wrote: "She crossed (over) triumphantly”.
In an earlier tweet, Zuriari noted that Ang's friends had run a total of 8,697.44km in Malaysia and abroad for seven consecutive weeks in her name since her accident.
Women's group Sisters in Islam (SIS) also expressed their grief.
"Deepest condolences to everyone who loved Evelyn, and to everyone Evelyn had loved. She remains a hero in our hearts and forever an inspiration to us. Rest in peace, dearest #EvelynAng,” SIS wrote.
Meanwhile, Ang’s sister Caroline published a Facebook post requesting that friends unfollow her on social media.
"I have nothing to share, nor to say any more.
"Please give us space. Thank you,” she wrote.
Evelyn’s husband, Dennis Loo, confirmed that she died at around 1.30am today.
"She passed away peacefully, and she went off at her own pace, despite all the things that we all did to help.
"The hospital did the very best for her and the doctors too," Loo was reported by the media as saying.
The ultra-runner was struck by a car on Dec 10 last year.
Ang was hit from behind, along with two others, while participating in the Klang City International Marathon 2017 at Batu 2, Jalan Kapar, at 4.30am.
Last week, it was reported that her family had decided to take her off life support, as her body’s system was no longer functioning.
Ang underwent 11 surgeries after suffering a cranial fracture and bleeding in the brain as result of the accident.
The man who crashed his car into the three marathon runners was tracked down, arrested and charged with reckless and dangerous driving.
The accused, Teoh Thiam Lim, 27, claimed trial at the magistrate's court here on Feb 20.
He was charged with having committed the offence under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.