Taiwanese Influencer Found Dead at 31 in a Hotel Bathroom — Here's What We Know

A 31-year-old Taiwanese nurse and influencer was found dead in a hotel bathroom while abroad. What began as a sudden tragedy has since taken a serious turn.

Internet personality Hsieh Yu-hsin, widely known online as Iris Hsieh, was discovered dead in the bathroom of her hotel room in Kuala Lumpur on October 22, 2025, at the age of 31.

What began as a sudden and unexplained tragedy has now taken a darker turn, as authorities later reclassified the case as a murder investigation in light of emerging evidence.

Medical Findings Questioned by Family

Hsieh had arrived in Malaysia on October 20 for a four-day work-related trip. She was staying at the Banyan Tree Hotel on Jalan Conlay when she was found unresponsive in the bathroom of her suite.

On October 31, Mirror Media reported that Hsieh's manager, known as Chris, stated a Malaysian hospital had cited a heart attack as the preliminary cause of death, and said that "there was seemingly no possibility of emergency rescue."

Chris also shared that Hsieh's family had difficulty accepting the explanation and was considering a deeper probe. A private farewell ceremony is being planned, along with a separate memorial among friends.

In the days leading up to her death, Hsieh appeared cheerful online — her final appearance was in a group video posted on Instagram on October 19. In the clip, she wore a yellow outfit, and she danced with her friends.

Case Upgraded to Homicide Investigation

On November 4, New Straits Times reported that Kuala Lumpur Police had formally reclassified the case as a murder investigation following the emergence of new evidence suggesting foul play.

Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus explained that the case was initially handled as a sudden death report involving a foreign woman found in the hotel.

However, it has since been formally upgraded to a murder investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code, with authorities confirming that further inquiries are actively underway.

Marsus added that investigators would now examine Hsieh's entire stay in Malaysia, including security footage, hotel records, and transportation data. "It's a comprehensive investigation examining every movement of both the victim and the person last seen with her," he stated.

Authorities have already taken statements from hotel staff, security personnel, transport operators, and airport staff in the effort to reconstruct the timeline.

Malaysian Rapper Identified as Person of Interest

Namewee (real name Wee Meng Chee) was reportedly in the hotel room with Hsieh at the time of her death and has now been identified as a person of interest.

"For now, we regard this person who was last with the victim as being involved in the case," Marsus said. "We will be calling him in to assist in the investigation. Depending on the findings, we will decide whether he should be treated as a suspect."

Although Namewee has not been charged in relation to Hsieh's death, he is currently facing unrelated charges of drug use and possession. He is reportedly out on bail, which was set at RM4,000 for each charge, with his next court mention scheduled for December 18.

Public Response from Namewee

In two separate Instagram posts written in Traditional Chinese, Namewee publicly addressed the case, denied using or possessing drugs, and responded to widespread speculation surrounding the incident involving Hsieh Yu-hsin.

In his November 2 Instagram post, he clarified that he neither used drugs nor owned any. He added, however, that he had simply been drinking a bit more than usual.

He explained his earlier silence by citing ongoing investigations and intimidation tactics directed at his team, adding, "We can't disclose details. These past few days, we've even encountered blackmail. If you want to keep playing games, we're ready to go all the way."

Namewee also criticized the emergency response, alleging delays, "The ambulance took nearly an hour to arrive. I honestly have no idea what the number 999 is even for — when we called, we were even scolded."

In a November 5 post, he said he had gone to the Kuala Lumpur police station to cooperate with the investigation. He said, "I'm not running away — for the previous seven warrants, I voluntarily turned myself in every time. I have never tried to flee."

Iris Hsieh's Life Before Social Media

In Taiwan, Hsieh rose to prominence as the "nursing major goddess," admired for her academic background and appearance. In a July 2025 Instagram post, she addressed lingering doubts about her professional background, confirming that she did, in fact, earn her nursing license and even ranked on the merit list.

She admitted that her early days in nursing school were far from disciplined, describing herself as someone who spent most of her time "falling in love, goofing off, and sleeping." Looking back, she found it amusing that she once felt proud simply for passing with minimum grades.

But the post wasn't just about academics — it was a candid reflection on love, memory, and the tendency to romanticize the past. A chance meeting with someone from her past made her realize how easily she forgets pain and heartbreak, often viewing former experiences and relationships through a softened lens.

She didn't claim to be perfect; she said she was "no saint" and had "lived through things." She also shared a powerful message about being present, "I came to understand that the best moment is never some dreamy future — it’s right now."

As of now, no suspects have been formally charged, and the cause of death remains undetermined. Marsus stated, "It is too early to reveal the cause of death. The post mortem and toxicology reports will give us clearer findings later." He called on the public to support the inquiry by coming forward and assisting in the investigation.

Meanwhile, another community hundreds of miles away is grappling with its own heartbreaking loss. As reported on September 10, Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, a respected Auburn professor emerita, was brutally murdered in broad daylight in one of Alabama's most cherished public parks.

The 59-year-old veterinarian, known for her compassion, brilliance, and deep love for animals, was found lifeless and bloodied in Kiesel Park — a place where she once walked her dog with joy.

Final Walk Turns Fatal

The morning of September 6 began like so many others for Dr. Schnuelle: she walked through Kiesel Park, a sprawling green space adored by locals and often filled with families, dog walkers, and joggers, with her dog. But this walk would be her last, as a result of a brutal attack.

Police were dispatched after they received a call around 2:07 p.m. to the 500 block of Chadwick Lane. There, in a wooded area of the park, they discovered Dr. Schnuelle's body — a discovery that would shatter Auburn's sense of safety.

Lee County Coroner Daniel Sexton confirmed the worst: she had suffered fatal injuries caused by a sharp object, possibly a knife. Her remains were transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery for further examination.

Her dog, miraculously found unharmed, was taken in by loved ones. As news spread, so did heartbreak, because for Auburn, a sense of innocence was lost.

What had once been a place of community gatherings — home to events like weddings, CityFest, and the Fall Sundown Concert Series — was now a crime scene. That such violence could erupt in a beloved public park has shaken locals to their core.

Auburn residents expressed disbelief that this level of brutality could happen in their backyard. By Sunday morning — within 24 hours after the gruesome discovery — authorities had their suspect.

Suspect Arrested Just Miles Away

At approximately 8:30 a.m. on September 7, officers responded to suspicious behavior near the 2300 block of Beehive Road. There, they encountered Harold Rashad Dabney III, 28, whose presence raised red flags. Through rapid investigation and collection of evidence, authorities quickly identified him as the prime suspect in Dr. Schnuelle's killing.

Now facing two counts of capital murder, Dabney remains behind bars at Lee County Jail, held without bond. Prosecutors believe multiple aggravating circumstances — including kidnapping and robbery — justify the double capital charges, even with only one victim.

Court documents allege Dabney abducted Dr. Schnuelle and stole her red Ford F-150, which was later found abandoned near Wire Road close to a local pumpkin patch. A state helicopter was deployed in the search — a sign of just how serious and swift the manhunt became.

At first, Dabney was identified as a Montgomery resident, based on his driver's license. But arrest documents list him at an address in Auburn. Assistant Police Chief Mike Harris explained that the discrepancy stemmed from a prior misdemeanor obstruction charge, where Dabney refused to provide a home address.

The Dunford Avenue address was the one he later provided, making it the last known location used in the arrest warrant. Investigators are now digging deeper into Dabney's connections to both Auburn and Montgomery.

Auburn Police expressed gratitude for the outpouring of public assistance, stating that community tips played a key role in tracking down the suspect and uncovering critical evidence.

As the legal process begins to take shape, questions remain unanswered. Authorities have not stated whether Dabney had any prior connection to Dr. Schnuelle or if the attack was random. For a community in mourning, these unknowns only deepen the sense of unease — but they also underscore the gravity of what was lost.