Model allegedly drowns after suffering asthma attack during underwater photoshoot

Pic shows: Olivia Ku. A much loved Taiwanese model has tragically drowned after she reportedly suffered a bout of asthma while taking part in an underwater photoshoot. Model Olivia Ku, 25, is said to have choked on sea water and was already unconscious when her body was pulled from the waters near Hengchun Township, in Taiwan’s southern Pingtung County. Ku, together with representatives from her modelling agency "Eelin", had visited the popular tropical tourist site for the photo session when the incident occurred at around 3:26pm. Reports said firefighters and members of the local coast guard rushed Ku to hospital where attempts to resuscitate her were unsuccessful. While local authorities said further investigation was necessary to determine the exact cause of the accident, there have been suspicions of human error and improper diving practices after it was suggested the photographer asked Ku to remove her breathing apparatus for aesthetic effect, forcing the young woman - apparently an asthma sufferer - to hold her breath underwater. The accusations have neither been confirmed nor denied by members of the local coast guard, who have handed the case over to a prosecutor assigned to survey the diving site following Ku’s death. Ku, a native of Taiwanese capital of Taipei, was reportedly an avid amateur diver with at least three years of experience. She often shared photos of herself on social media while volunteering to dive in the waters to help pick up refuse from the seabed. Veteran divers who knew Ku said the mishap should have been avoided, as the Eelin modelling agency should have had professional divers on site during the photoshoot in case of such emergencies. Ku is survived by her husband and young daughter. (ends) (CEN)