In Memory: Wai ‘Ray’ Ng

Every so often, I surf through Facebook and I see a heartbreaking group such as this one:
R.I.P Ray Ng we miss you (Facebook account needed to see link)

Son gives his mom night off, is slain
From The Miami Herald (May 15, 2007)

TAMARAC – For Mother’s Day this year, Wai Ng may have saved his mother’s life.

His gift to her was simple: The 28-year-old son, known to friends as Ray, offered to work his mother’s shift on Sunday at the family’s Chinese restaurant in Tamarac.

But late that night, authorities said, a gunman stormed into the almost-empty restaurant and demanded money. Before making his exit, cash in hand, the stranger fired a single shot, leaving Ng dead on the floor.

…Ten years ago, Ng’s older sister died of breast cancer. She left behind The Hong Kong City BBQ, the Chinese restaurant she had owned on North State Road 7.

Pui Ng (Ray’s Mom) took over as owner. Ray Ng dropped out of high school to help.

Even though this happened in back in May, I thought this was worth mentioning because I know so many Asian Americans work in family businesses and can relate to the hard working owners of a family business. This is one of the saddest stories I’ve heard, particularly because Ray’s mom was a single mom and had already lost one of her children 10 years earlier. Now to lose a second child on Mother’s Day is absolutely heartbreaking.

Some additional coverage at this Yelp Talk topic (Yelp account needed)

One of the good things to come out of this tragic event was that the local Chinese community joined forces with the local police departments to hold two Crime Prevention Community Forums to address the issues of protecting oneself when a crime occurs and how to minimize potential risks of a crime.

SAFETY TIPS
Source: North Miami Beach Police Department

What to do before, during and after a robbery.

Before
• Make sure your business is well lit on the inside and outside.
• Make sure your windows are clear so you can see in from the outside.
• At night leave your cash register open so people can see there is nothing in it.
• Keep ruler tape or some form of measurement gauge on the door to estimate the height of the intruder.

During
• Never resist, don’t scream or do anything that will call attention.
• Only talk to answer the robber’s questions.
• Pay close attention to details of the intruder.
• Stay calm.

After
• Call police immediately.
• Do not disturb the crime scene.
• Write down everything you remember about the intruder immediately.
• Try to separate the witnesses so that each has his own story of what happened.

Ray did everything right and still lost his life. What a shame.

Even though it’s months later, my deepest sympathies go out to Ray’s friends and loved ones.

::Ray Ng Memorial Website::