Apichet Kittikorncharoen

December 2, 1982 — Thailand

Apichet Kittikorncharoen was a Thai singer and actor known under the stage name Big and was part of RS Promotion's trio boy band D2B. In 2003 his car crashed into a polluted canal, resulting in a severe brain infection. Unfortunately, efforts to treat him, including medication from Australia, as well as four brain operations, caused heavy damage to his brain. He remained in coma for four years before finally succumbing to the illness. Apichet's case, which saw throngs of fans hoping and praying for him at the hospital as well as intense media attention, helped raised awareness about the hazardous nature of Bangkok's water pollution. His funeral was held for 100 days from the end of 2007 to March of the next year, and was patronised by Queen Sirikit.