Reports: Taiwan's 'dancing queen' Serena Liu dies aged 44

Taiwan's "queen of ballroom dancing" Serena Liu has allegedly made her last dance.

Serena, 44, fell into a coma in February after undergoing heart valve repair surgery and was waiting for a heart transplant. However, Taiwan's Apple Daily News reported today (March 23) that according to sources at the hospital, the celebrity dancer died last night before she could get a new heart.

Serena's husband, singer Shin Lung, is uncontactable and has not commented. Authorities are also not able to disclose any information as her family has not made any information public yet.

It was previously reported that Serena remained in critical condition after falling into a coma. She was put on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or Ecmo, while awaiting a heart transplant.

On Feb 28, 48-year-old Shin commented on the situation for the first time. He wrote on Facebook: "Serena needs the help of everyone to get her past this immense challenge in her life. I, Shin Lung, am willing to give up my life in exchange for hers because our daughter is only four. She can do without a father but she cannot be without her mother."

He also asked everyone to pray for her and cheer her on.

But, Serena's condition deteriorated as blood clots formed in her brain. Despite undergoing surgery to remove the clots, doctors reportedly said blood clots continued to form in her right brain, allegedly leaving the left side of her body without sensation.

Shin then told Taiwan's Apple Daily News on March 14 he doesn't know when she can receive a new heart.

Serena shot to fame as a dancer on Taiwan's variety programmes before embarking on her acting and hosting career. She leaves behind a four-year-old daughter with Shin.

bryanlim@asiaone.com