David Ether

Thursday, April 3, 2014

20140403 The Straits Times

OCBC Cycle rider dies of head injuries
Avid cyclist excited about taking part in event; investigations still ongoing

By May Chen

IN THE build-up to Sunday's OCBC Cycle Singapore, all Mr Chia Wee Kiak could think about was his maiden ride in Singapore's biggest cycling event.

Having been an avid cyclist for about three years, his excitement was apparent on his Facebook page, where a post on the eve of the event read: "So excited! Can't wait for the race on Sunday."

Tragically, that was to be Mr Chia's last update.

The national serviceman died early yesterday morning, succumbing to the serious head injuries he suffered from a fall early on in the 59km Super Challenge event.

His cousin, Ms Angel Soo, told members of the media at the wake yesterday: "One happy thing from this is that he left doing something he enjoyed very much, and he left joining something that he had been wanting to take part in.

"We do not blame the organisers."

Event owner and organiser Spectrum Worldwide released a joint statement with title sponsor OCBC Bank, expressing their "deepest condolences to the family".

The event's official website and Facebook page also took on a greyscale colour scheme yesterday, expressing sympathies to Mr Chia's family across the site banners.

Investigations are still ongoing, but it is believed that Mr Chia - who eyewitnesses said was wearing a helmet - fell on his own about 20 minutes into his ride while descending the Benjamin Sheares Bridge.

The former Republic Polytechnic student fractured his skull, and the fall caused blood clots on the brain. He underwent 13 hours of surgery at the Singapore General Hospital and was warded in the hospital's intensive care unit until his death.

Said Miss Saffire Ng, 20, who has known Mr Chia for seven years: "His best friends weren't quite supportive of him joining the event because they felt it was dangerous, as it was his first time and he was joining the Super Challenge.

"He was a really nice guy to all his friends... and tried his very best to be there for them whenever they needed him."

Mr Chia's younger sister Jia Yin, 20, also took part in the OCBC Cycle Singapore event, although she did not ride abreast of him.

This is the first fatality in the six-year history of the event.

More than 11,500 riders took part this year, the bulk of them signing up for the mass participation rides on Sunday.

maychen@sph.com.sg