Family of well-known Houstonian killed in Thailand trying to raise money to bring his body home
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The family of a Houston man tragically killed in a motorcycle crash in Thailand is desperately trying to raise money to bring his body home.
From the club scene to the gym scene, Clark Shao is a well -known name and face in Houston. His cousin, Oscar Chen, said, "He's a hard working person. He shows you work hard, you play hard and live life a day at a time, minute at a time."
He was even once named Houston's hottest bachelor by "Inside Edition" in 2014. His positive, energetic workouts and training sessions have tens of thousands of YouTube views. His friends add his sense of adventure was contagious. YouTube posts show him tasting bugs and worms in Asia.
But those who knew him best say it's the impact he's had on their lives. As a mentor and friend, they can't believe he is gone. Chen said, "It's super devastating, I'm in denial, I don't believe. He was always a loving, caring person."
His childhood friend Neil Jou said, "The type of person you look up to, very inspirational individual."
Shao and his girlfriend Melissa were enjoying a vacation in Thailand. Relatives say the two were near a beach when they left to return to their hotel by motorcycle. A rainy, bumpy ride turned tragic when they crashed into another vehicle, possibly another motorcycle. Shao died later at the hospital. His girlfriend Melissa is injured.
Many relatives are in Thailand now and say it is a very difficult process to go through in getting him back to the United States for a funeral. Friends have started a GoFundMe page to help with expenses. Chen said, "They wouldn't release his body just yet."
It's a stressful time for him family. They want the man who had such a positive impact on all of them to be back in the gym, back in their lives.
Jou said, "Definitely doing his best in life."
Goodbye is something they weren't ready for. "I don't know how Houston will function without Clark because he impacted so many people's lives," said Chen.
