Friend Pays Tribute to Ray McDonald After Peaceful Passing
Ray McDonald, a longtime foreign resident, died peacefully in his sleep on August 20 with severe coronary artery blockage; his friend revealed the autopsy results showed no signs of distress despite the condition.
Chakrit, Ray McDonald's close friend, arrived at the Forensic Institute at Police Hospital on August 20 to share the autopsy results. Ray's wife Maem was present as Chakrit revealed that Ray had three blocked coronary arteries—two with 90 percent blockage and one with 70 percent blockage—but passed away peacefully in his sleep without pain or suffering.
Chakrit explained that Ray had been working intensively with little rest, traveling constantly for work, and this final journey was simply another chapter in his life of dedication. Maem recounted that Ray had only recently gotten a proper break this month after their child's school vacation, during which they spent quality time together. The night before his death, he played football with their child, exchanged their usual good night kisses, and fell asleep watching television without any apparent distress. Several hours later, around 6:30 AM when he was supposed to wake up to take their child to school, Maem found he had already passed.
Maem disclosed that Ray was afraid of doctors and had resisted seeking medical care, only agreeing to see a dentist after being forced to do so. Despite his fear of medical attention, the autopsy showed no signs of emergency symptoms before his death. Chakrit announced that the funeral rites will last seven days, with the ceremony scheduled for August 26, and requested that the water blessing ceremony be held privately after the body is moved to the temple.
