According to an 8world report, Mr Sia loved dressing up as Darth Vader and would do so for charity and fundraising events.
One of Mr Sia’s friends, who was paying his respects at his wake in Bukit Batok on Wednesday (May 27) afternoon, told 8world that he was grateful for the kindness and support Mr Sia showed while he was mourning the loss of his wife.
The friend had met Mr Sia at a cosplay event, where the former had sold off all his Star Wars collectables to raise funds for KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital following his wife’s death.
“He was a kind-hearted and empathetic person. He was tall, and although he played the most evil villain, he was the best person on earth,” the 48-year-old man told 8world.
Mr Sia had been engaged by an appointed vendor for USS’ WaterWorld attraction when he suffered a medical emergency during a training session on the morning of May 19.
His fellow performers saw that he was in distress during the training session, prompting them to render assistance before emergency services were called, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) said.
Mr Sia was taken to Singapore General Hospital, where he later died.
RWS, the operator of USS, has not given any further details about the nature of Mr Sia’s medical emergency. It also said that it was reviewing the incident.
Police, who do not suspect foul play, are continuing their investigations.
“He would always tell me: ‘Got time must watch my show at least once,’” another of Mr Sia’s friends said on Facebook.
“I went in not knowing what to expect, and by the end of it I was soaked from head to toe – but all I could think was: ‘He is truly the star of the show.’”
“Despite being so tall and strong, taking on roles like Darth Vader and Deacon, he was one of the gentlest souls I’ve ever known,” the friend said.
“Thank you for everything, Willis, from the bottom of my heart.”