Gone Too Soon: Remembering The Beloved Abby Choi - LA Lives

The Hong Kong model and influencer—who died tragically and suddenly last week—will be remembered for her impeccable style, glamorous life, and generosity. 

The world of fashion just lost a valuable figure in the wake of Abby Choi’s gruesome murder. The Hong Kong socialite was pronounced missing on Wednesday last week, before parts of her dismembered body were found in a house and cemetery on Friday. 

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The suspects of the killing—which include the late 28-year-old’s ex-husband Alex Kwong Kong-chi, brother-in-law Anthony Kwong Kong-kit , father-in-law Kwong Kau, and mother-in-law Jenny Li Sui-heung—have been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation. 

In an interview on Saturday, Alan Chung—the superintendent in charge of the case—shared that there were ongoing financial disputes between Choi and her former in-laws. The aforementioned suspects were believed to have given misleading information that disrupted the investigation’s progress, hence their arrest. 

A Shining Fashionista

While the tragic death of Abby Choi has shocked the world, it would be best to remember her for how she lived—beautifully and to the fullest. This is perfectly encapsulated by the words written on her Instagram bio: “Embracing every moment of life.” 

Choi wasn’t just a well-known influencer with more than 100,000 followers; she was also a model who enjoyed her fair share of international exposure. Besides attending this year’s Paris Fashion Week in a sophisticated gown from Dior, the 28-year-old was also spotted at the Elie Saab Spring Summer 2023 Haute Couture show in Paris just last month. 

Abby Choi, Hong Kong model and influencer
Abby Choi in an Elie Saab gown from their Spring/Summer 2023 show in Paris/Photo via Instagram @xxabbyc.

Choi has been featured in the covers of Vogue China and the luxury fashion magazine L’Officiel Monaco. The late socialite took pride in her tasteful fashion sense, and an interview from L’Officiel describes her as “a true trendsetter,” someone who “always shines bright, leaving a lasting impression on all those who are lucky enough to cross her path.”

In the very same interview, Choi shares: “I am a person who keeps absorbing inspiration and always tries new styles. Sometimes I also try to dress up more extravagant, by mixing and combining different looks.” 

Choi has also met and worked with some notable figures in the fashion industry, including Giambattista Valli and Zuhair Murad.

Abby Choi with Giambattista Valli
Choi posing with Giambattista Valli/Photo via Instagram @xxabbyc.
Abby Choi with designer Zuhair Murad during Paris Fashion Week 2023
Choi and designer Zuhair Murad during this year’s Paris Fashion Week/Photo via Instagram @xxabbyc.

With her natural talent for modeling and commendable sartorial taste, it’s no surprise that she’s worn couture from industry giants like Chanel and Louise Vuitton. 

Abby Choi in Chanel
Abby Choi dressed in Chanel/Photo via Instagram @xxabbyc.
Abby Choi in Louis Vuitton
Abby Choi in Louis Vuitton/Photo via Instagram @xxabbyc.

A Tender-Hearted Wife, Mother, and Animal Lover

Beyond her influence in social media and the world of fashion, Choi was also known as a loving wife, mother, and philanthropist. Her second husband, Chris Tam, shared how grateful he was to have had her in his life. 

“She was a kind-hearted person who always wanted to help others and she had always supported and loved me. People who become family members and friends with her are blessed,” Tam shared in an article from The Standard

She left behind four children—two with her ex-husband and two with Tam—whom she doted on. The Standard mentioned that Choi would gather all her children in her Kowloon Tong residence so they could play together, and the family even went on a trip to Disneyland. 

Even with her status, the late model always treated those around her with kindness, as one of her friends recounts that she was “nice and friendly to helpers and drivers.”  Choi also had a soft spot for animals, especially those that needed rescuing. She was the co-founder of the Paomes Charitable Organization, which cares for strays. The organization even posted a tribute to the late socialite, thanking her for all the help she’s given. 

Another friend recounted how Choi once insisted on saving a cat that was hit by a car, despite its low chances of survival. True enough, the cat eventually recovered, which was “like a miracle.” 

It’s saddening to lose someone who valued life and cared for so many, but despite the tragedy, Choi’s legacy will live on in the hearts of her fans and those who knew her.

Banner Photo via Instagram @xxabbyc.

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