A murder investigation is underway after a Taiwanese social media influencer, Iris Hsieh, was found dead in a hotel bathtub in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
The 31-year-old content creator, known to her 546,000 Instagram followers as the “Nurse Goddess” for her background in nursing and lifestyle content, was discovered unresponsive around 1:40 p.m. local time at Banyan Tree Hotel on Jalan Conlay street in the city’s downtown district.
What authorities initially classified as a sudden death has since been reclassified as a homicide case following the emergence of new evidence and forensic findings. Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus confirmed the shift in the investigation’s status during a Tuesday, November 4 briefing, signaling that detectives now suspect foul play in Hsieh’s death.
Malaysian rapper Namewee, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee, has emerged as a key figure in the investigation after being identified as the last person seen with Hsieh. The 42-year-old musician was reportedly in the same hotel room with the influencer at the time of the incident. According to Marsus, authorities arrested Namewee on October 22 for alleged possession and use of drugs, though he was released after pleading not guilty to drug-related charges at the Jalan Duta Court on October 24.
Police reports indicate that officers discovered pills believed to be ecstasy during Namewee’s arrest. The rapper subsequently tested positive for multiple illicit substances, including amphetamines, methamphetamine, ketamine, and THC. He was remanded for two days before his release and faces potential penalties under Malaysian law.
Namewee has publicly denied taking drugs in a statement shared on Instagram, asserting that “at most I’ve been drinking more recently.” In the same post, he expressed feeling deeply sorry about Hsieh’s death and claimed the ambulance “was nearly an hour late” in responding to the emergency. The rapper stated that the truth would emerge when the police report is released, which he estimated would take two or three months.
On November 5, Namewee surrendered to authorities to assist with the ongoing investigation. He wrote in an Instagram story that he would fully cooperate with the police and be accountable to both the public and Hsieh’s family.
Marsus indicated that investigators are conducting a comprehensive examination of the circumstances surrounding Hsieh’s death. “Investigations are ongoing from all angles, including individuals who were last with the victim. We will review all movements of both the victim and the suspect to determine whether he is a suspect,” he told local media.
Detectives have recorded statements from hotel staff, security guards, and transport operators, including airport personnel. The investigation team is also reviewing closed-circuit television footage to trace Hsieh’s movements before her death. Marsus emphasized that the probe involves examining every movement of both the victim and the person last seen with her.
Hsieh, whose full name was Hsieh Yu-hsin, had traveled to Malaysia for what was planned as a four-day visit. Her manager initially reported that she died from a heart attack that left her with no chance for emergency treatment. However, the family indicated they might request further investigation into the circumstances of her death, according to reports from local outlet New Straits Times.
The influencer had built a substantial following across multiple social media platforms. Known for blending health advice with lifestyle and travel content, she leveraged her nursing background to create posts that resonated with audiences seeking wellness guidance. Her collaborative trip to Malaysia was intended to produce content with Namewee, a controversial artist known for songs and music videos addressing taboo topics in Malaysian society.
The case has drawn significant international attention, particularly within Taiwan and across Asian social media communities where both Hsieh and Namewee maintained substantial followings. Supporters have launched online campaigns using hashtags calling for justice, while sharing memories of Hsieh’s content that combined vulnerability with messages of empowerment.
Marsus stressed that despite Namewee’s proximity to the scene and his subsequent drug charges, the investigation remains active with no arrests beyond the controlled substance counts. The police chief noted that authorities would decide whether to treat the rapper as a suspect based on their findings after reviewing all evidence and witness statements.
Hsieh’s family is now coordinating with Malaysian officials for body repatriation, a process complicated by the ongoing murder investigation and bureaucratic requirements. The exact cause of death remains under examination pending the completion of post-mortem and toxicology reports, which will be central to determining the investigation’s direction and potential charges.
