Actress Kathy Chow's family reveals heart disease as cause of her death

Hong Kong actress Kathy Chow. Photo from Chow's management agency's Weibo

Chow passed away on Dec. 11 at her Beijing villa. Following her death, her management agency and family initially announced she had succumbed to an illness, sparking speculation about the exact cause.

The actress’ sister stated on social media on Wednesday that based on video footage and medical examinations, authorities had determined that Chow’s death resulted from cardiovascular disease, as per a report by St Headline. She thus appealed for an end to speculation about Chow’s death out of respect for her memory.

"We hope people will not spread further speculations about the deceased’s cause of death as an act of respect," she wrote.

She further cautioned against a potential risk of fake charity funds set up in Chow’s name and urged the public to be cautious of scams. She also requested people to stop filming near Chow’s villa in Beijing, which disturbs her family.

Chow’s sister also noted that Chow’s pets have found a new home with a friend of the late actress, and Chow’s mother, who inherits her assets, intends to continue Chow’s charitable work.

The head of a Beijing orphanage highlighted Chow’s long-term philanthropic work on Dec. 13. Chow had consistently supported the orphanage by donating, visiting, providing toys and warm clothes to the children, and aiding their education, this person said.

After Chow’s cremation in China, her ashes will be returned to Hong Kong, her sister confirmed.

Born in 1966, Chow achieved fame for her leading roles in TVB drama series.

She became particularly well-known for her role as Zhou Zhiruo in the 1994 TV adaptation of wuxia author Jin Yong’s "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber."