The impact on suicides following the suicide of a famous Hong Kong pop singer was examined. Extensive & often dramatic media coverage resulted. The number of suicides in 2003 before & after the death of the celebrity were compared to the same period in 1998-2002. The case files & suicide notes of people who died by suicide in 2003 were also studied qualitatively. There was a significant increase in suicides following the celebrity death, compared with the average over the preceding 3 months as well as the corresponding monthly average during 1998-2002. It was particularly marked in a subgroup of males, aged 25-39 years. The name of the celebrity was often mentioned in case files & suicide notes. (36 refs.) JA