A Universal Studios performer has died after suffering a medical emergency during a training session for the WaterWorld stunt show in Singapore.
The incident happened Tuesday, May 19, at Universal Studios Singapore, which is located inside Resorts World Sentosa.
The performer has been identified as 42-year-old Willis Sia, according to Channel News Asia.
A spokesperson for Resorts World Sentosa said Sia was taking part in a training session for WaterWorld when he experienced a medical emergency.
“A performer engaged by an appointed vendor for WaterWorld experienced a medical emergency during a training session,” the spokesperson said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.
The spokesperson said Sia’s fellow performers noticed he was in distress and immediately tried to help.
Emergency services were called, and Sia was taken by ambulance to a local hospital.
“Safety is our priority,” the Resorts World Sentosa spokesperson said. “Training is conducted with safety protocols in place, and we are reviewing the circumstances of the incident together with the performer’s employer.”
Lena Lee, vice president of attractions and destination experience at Resorts World Sentosa, later confirmed that Sia had died.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of a WaterWorld performer and send our condolences to the family, our show vendor and his fellow performers during this very difficult time,” Lee said.
Police do not suspect foul play, according to Channel News Asia and The Straits Times. The incident remains under investigation.
Sia was known for performing as Deacon in the WaterWorld show at Universal Studios Singapore. According to his Instagram, he also frequently cosplayed as Darth Vader at fan events and community gatherings.
Following his death, friends and members of the cosplay community shared emotional tributes online.
“Farewell, my fellow trooper,” one friend wrote on Sia’s Facebook page.
“I will always remember you as a gentle and humble soul — someone who was always ready with a greeting, a joke, laughter, and companionship whenever we gathered together,” the friend added.
Another person wrote, “You will forever be missed, Willis Sia. I am thankful we met each other in this life. Please stay safe in heaven. Until we meet again, may the force be with you, Sia.”
Someone else remembered him as “a gentle giant with an even bigger heart.”
The WaterWorld stunt show, which is performed at multiple Universal Studios parks around the world, is based on the 1995 movie of the same name.
The Resorts World Sentosa website describes the attraction as featuring “death-defying stunts,” fire, water and explosive action.