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According to ChinatimesBonsook, who now lives in Chiang Mai and manages a memorial dedicated to Teng, revisited the events ahead of the 31st anniversary of her passing.

At the time, Teng and her French boyfriend were staying long-term at a hotel in Chiang Mai.

Bonsook recalled that on the morning of May 8, 1995, he brought her breakfast and noticed nothing unusual. Around 3:30 p.m., Teng’s boyfriend left to buy fruit while the singer exercised in her room.

At approximately 4:15 p.m., Bonsook realized Teng was in distress, with stiffness in her limbs. He immediately alerted hotel management, and she was rushed to hospital. However, heavy traffic caused delays, costing critical time for treatment. She did not survive.

Authorities later investigated the hotel room and concluded that Teng had jogged and bathed before suffering an asthma attack. At the time, her boyfriend had not yet returned, and Bonsook was not permitted to enter the room without authorization, delaying the discovery of her condition.

Bonsook said he has long carried regret over the incident. In the years since, he has learned first aid in case of similar emergencies.

Teng’s death at 42 shocked the entertainment world. Born in Taiwan in 1953, she rose to fame in the 1960s and became one of Asia’s most influential singers. One of her best-known songs, “The Moon Represents My Heart,” was written by Weng Ching Hsi and Sun Yi.

Guan Weihua, Teng’s early manager, said that in the 1970s she earned up to US$10,000 per month.

Teng is buried at Chin Pao San Cemetery Park in Taiwan.

On the anniversary of her death last year, Japanese music producer Minoru Funaki, who once managed her, visited her grave and said, as cited by Sanlih News Network: “She was the most gentle and professional singer I have ever met. Even after 30 years, I still dream about her.”