SINGAPORE, Dec. 24 -- Activist lawyer Ravi Madasamy, widely known as M. Ravi, was discovered dead in the early hours of December 24.

Police have classified the case as an unnatural death, according to reporting by The Straits Times.

Lawyer Eugene Thuraisingam, who had represented Ravi in past cases, said he was shocked and saddened.

"He has had his struggles but was always true to the cause he fought with all his heart. The cases he argued has helped shape constitutional law in Singapore. He has contributed to and will be missed by the legal profession," Thuraisingam said.

Lawyer Shashi Nathan also paid tribute to Ravi, describing him as a man who made an impact on the legal field.

"Ravi was often divisive and went against the grain....