KUALA LUMPUR: Despite living in Jakarta, Ashraf Sinclair was very close to his younger siblings, Aishah and Adam, and always kept in contact with them.
He last met Adam, a director and producer, in New York, the United States last month, and Adam shared their last photo on Instagram six days ago.
The photo which showed them clicking on their iPhones in Grand Central Station, New York, was captioned "bruhmigo" (brother and friend).
Aishah was the first to post feedback. "Miss you guys so much," said Aishah, who is a radio presenter with Mix FM.
Ashraf and his wife, popular Indonesian actress and singer Bunga Citra Lestari, went for a holiday in New York.
There they met up with Adam and his wife singer-songwriter Yuna, who are both based in the United States.
Aishah was informed of her brother's death after arriving for work at the radio station around 5.50am.
Aishah's fellow announcers on the Mix Breakfast Show, Rod Monteiro and Prem Shanker, shared with listeners the that she was informed of her brother's death by their mother around 6am.
Meanwhile, 40-year-old Ashraf's death has been deeply felt by artistes in Malaysia and Indonesia.
They filled Ashraf's Instagram account and their Facebook pages with condolences to his family.
Ada Apa Dengan Cinta? star Dian Sastrowardoyo said: "Rest in peace Ashraf Sinclair. I can't believe this has happened."
"May God place you amongst the righteous in heaven," said actress Laudya Cynthia Bella, the wife of businessman Engku Emran Engku Zainal Abidin.
"So sorry to hear this. I'm devastated," said singer-actress Agnes Monica.
"May we meet again in the eternal life. To dearest Bunga Citra Lestari, I send my heartfelt condolences, stay strong," said Indonesian composer Melly Goeslow.
Director and producer Nell Ng of PAN Productions who worked with Ashraf for their 2015 musical Cabaret said: "Dearest Ashraf, thank you for being a part of the PAN family. We love you and miss you. Our condolences go out to your loved ones."
Director and producer Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina of Enfiniti Productions revealed that Ashraf had been invited to audition for Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical which will return in June.
She said: "Woke up to such sad news today. Ashraf was one of the most well-mannered young men, always polite and humble, well-known for his professional work ethic.
"We were discussing him auditioning for Puteri Gunung Ledang. We've lost a talented young star and dear friend. My deepest sympathies to his loved ones."
Actress Fasha Sandha said: "Deepest condolences to the family of Ashraf. I've lost a great friend. Salam takziah to Bunga Citra Lestari and family."
Actor Rashidi Ishak said: "Oh God. Last night I listened to Bunga Citra Lestari's newest song. My heart goes out to her and family. Such shocking and sad news. RIP brother."
Actress Nora Danish said: "Salam takziah to the family of Ashraf Sinclair. May he be placed amongst the righteous. To his family, we will be here for you."
Singer-actor Vince Chong said: "RIP my brother. We were both born in London 1979. Lots of love to your family. May God grand your family peace and strength."
Actresses Fauziah Ahmad Daud and Daphne Iking, singers Nurul Wahab and Marsha Londoh, celebrity chef Anis Nabilah, and comedian Shuib also expressed their condolences.
"Shocked and gutted. Rest now dude, among the good, kind and loved," said Daphne.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi also sent messages of condolences to Ashraf's family.
“Takziah to the family of Ashraf Sinclair. May his family be strong, and may he be placed amongst the righteous," said Dr Wan Azizah on Twitter.
"Salam takziah to the family and friends of Ashraf Sinclair. He was a very talented actor," said Mohamaddin.
Meanwhile, Bunga's manager Doddy said that Ashraf did not suffer from any illness prior to his fatal heart attack.
"He was always the healthiest amongst us," said Doddy in a news report by Indonesian news portal Kompas today.
Ashraf died of a heart attack at 4.51am at MMC Hospital, Jakarta today.
He will be buried at Sandiego Hills, Jakarta.
The eldest of three siblings of Malay and British parentage, he began his acting career in 2004 when he starred in the film SH3 with Fasha.
His other films included Gol & Gincu and Saus Kacang, while his television dramas included Gol & Gincu The Series, Renjis and Dosa: Sacred Sin.
Ashraf co-hosted entertainment programmes Beat TV on Astro, Box Office on ntv7 and Mentor on TV3 in 2005. He will also appear in J2: J Retribusi with Zul Ariffin later this year.
Ashraf married Indonesian actress and singer Bunga Citra Lestari of Habibie & Ainun on Nov 8, 2008 in Jakarta. They have a 10-year-old son, Noah Aidan Sinclair.