SAF officer dies during biathlon at East Coast Park

From ChannelNewsAsia, link here

SINGAPORE : An officer from the Singapore Armed Forces died while participating in the Singapore Biathlon at East Coast Park on Sunday.

Colonel Bernard Tan Cheow Han, 39, collapsed and died after nearly completing the 10-kilometre run.

He was just 600 metres away from the finishing line.

The colonel had earlier finished a 1.5-kilometre swim before the run.

SAFRA which is also the organiser of the event says immediate medical attention was given to Colonel Tan at about 10am.

He was sent to Changi General Hospital and was pronounced dead at about 11am.

The cause of death is still being investigated by the police.

More than 1,700 people took part in the biathlon which included the chiefs of army and navy.

Colonel Tan was the Assistant Chief of the General Staff in charge of army personnel matters.

He was married with two young daughters aged two and seven

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A mournful date we, the members of the guards family, shall all remember. The ex-commander of 7 SIB guards brigade, collasped and passed away after a biathlon in East Coast Park on that fateful sunday morning. At a young vibrant age of 39, Colonel Bernard Tan left behind 2 young daugthers and a loving wife. He was described by fellow officers and men as a helpful and caring commander, often giving advise to junior officers and taking care of the welfare of his men. Sadly, all these came to an end as we witnessed how fragile a life can be. If you wish to pay your last respect to Colonel Tan, the wake will be at Blk 223, Toa payoh lorong 8 and his funeral service will be held at the military funeralat mandai cremetorium hall 1 on friday at 1215 hrs.




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