Hong Kong cinema veteran Lee Sau-yin has prompted widespread public debate after sharing poignant memories of his former classmate, legendary 1980s singer-songwriter Cai Guo-quan, whose life was irrevocably altered by a severe traffic accident over two decades ago. Lee, now active on mainland social media, used a recent video to recount the musical prodigy’s early genius and express deep sorrow over the debilitating injuries Cai sustained, which led to a diagnosis of dementia and post-traumatic Parkinson’s disease.
The tragic incident occurred in Dongguan, mainland China, on November 13, 2002. Cai, a pillar of the Cantonese pop scene known for classics like Unadorned Dream and The Will of Heaven, suffered catastrophic brain trauma. His injuries severely impacted his cognitive and motor functions, necessitating the use of a wheelchair and affecting his speech, subsequently forcing his complete withdrawal from the music industry.
The Bond Between the Stars
Lee Sau-yin, a former classmate now largely retired from acting, revealed the depth of their relationship in the viral video. Lee recalled their school days in 1966, describing Cai’s precocious musical inclination.
“When we were in classes that weren’t important, he would constantly be drumming with his sticks, tapping rhythms on his desk,” Lee recounted, emphasizing that Cai’s commitment to music began as early as age 13 or 14, long before Lee himself entered the world of filmmaking.
Lee expressed profound melancholy regarding Cai’s post-accident life: “After the traffic accident, he has mostly been living in a care facility, leading a vegetative life, unable to move, lying in bed.”
However, Lee offered a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy, noting that on better days, Cai continued to compose music, illustrating his enduring creative spark against overwhelming odds. Lee mused on the unpredictable nature of fate, questioning why such a talented individual was dealt such a cruel hand.
Responding to Adversity
Following the accident, the music community rallied around Cai Guo-quan. In 2006, close colleagues, including screen siren Paula Tsui (for whom Cai penned the seminal hit Drifting Along with the Current) and Alan Tam, organized a major benefit concert to fund his substantial medical expenses.
Despite his physical limitations, Cai has shown remarkable resilience. In 2008, he was recognized for his perseverance, receiving the “Outstanding Life Warrior” award from the Regeneration Society’s annual commendation ceremony.
Lee Sau-yin’s video clip, shared on Douyin, generated a flood of comments expressing admiration for Cai’s work and sadness over the loss of his immense talent. Fans lamented the classics that might have been composed had his career not been abruptly halted.
One persistent debate among online commentators concerns Cai Guo-quan’s current living situation, with some sources suggesting he resides in a care home in mainland China, while others claim he is in Hong Kong.
Regardless of his location, recent reports confirm that Cai maintains a stable and positive outlook. In 2022, fans arranged through his family received a welcome update: the singer, though dependent on care, appeared alert, recognized friends and relatives, and happily signed autographs, demonstrating an unbroken spirit even when facing immense physical challenges. His sustained optimism is hailed by those close to him as a testament to his strength in the face of what many call an unfair turn of destiny.
