Another teenager dies after 2.4km NAPFA run in school

16-year-old Benjamin Sim Wen Ming died after completing the mandatory 2.4km NAPFA run at Chong Boon Secondary School in Ang Mo Kio yesterday.

The Secondary 4 student is the second teenager to have lost his life after running the 2.4km run this year. 15-year-old Bryan Chee died just this February during the run at Loyang Secondary School. The boy, who was also in Secondary 4, had a previous heart condition.

Benjamin, who is said to be a keen volleyball player who played for his school during his 4 years there, reportedly keeled over and hit his head on the ground following the run which students at the school participate in about once a week during Physical Education classes.

Emergency resuscitation was being administered even before the Singapore Civil Defense Force (SCDF) arrived at the scene and the SCDF continued administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation en route to the hospital. Benjamin was pronounced dead at 11.44am at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

Benjamin’s father, 55-year-old pastor Davy Sim said: “We are still in a state of shock, but we have accepted it. We will leave it to the school to investigate what happened. I believe they have done their best.”

Chong Boon Secondary School principal Yeo Kuerk Heng said: “Benjamin was well regarded and popular among his peers, and was especially known for his cheerful and friendly disposition. He participated actively both in class and in sports. He was also good in English and helped his friends who are weaker in the subject.”

Staff, counsellors and school leaders at Chong Boon Secondary School are assisting and offering emotional support Benjamin’s family, affected students and staff, while police investigations are ongoing.