14YO S’pore Sports School Student Dies After Fitness Time Trial; School Investigating

Fitness training programmes are often considered daunting due to their physically demanding routines.

On Wednesday (11 October), a tragic incident occurred at the Singapore Sports School (SSP) when a Secondary Two student passed away during a fitness trial.

According to The Straits Times, the deceased was a 14-year-old Singaporean student who had fallen ill after participating in a 400m fitness time trial on 5 October. 

Subsequently, he was taken to the hospital, where he passed away. 

The student, identified by his uncle in an interview with CNA, was named Pranav Madhaik.

Student Was Part of the Badminton Academy

Pranav was a member of the badminton academy at the SSP. 

The school fondly remembers him as a vibrant and cheerful student who displayed a positive attitude toward his academic studies and sports training. His remarkable achievements include victories in national age-group competitions. 

The school said Pranav’s friendly personality made him a beloved student among his peers, teachers, and coaches.

Most Organs Stopped Functioning

Pranav reportedly fell ill after participating in a 400m fitness time trial on 5 October.

At 6:50pm on the same day, the Singapore Civil Defence Force received a call from the SSP and promptly brought Pranav to the National University Hospital for medical attention.

In an interview with CNA, Pranav’s uncle said that Pranav’s parents were notified about the incident when the ambulance was on the way to the hospital. 

Unfortunately, by the time the doctor attended to him, most of his organs had already stopped functioning.

Pranav underwent a bypass surgery and also required another operation on his leg.

Singapore Sports School Responds to Incident

The SSP announced that they would conduct an investigation into the incident.

They will review their safety protocols and ensure parents are informed.

Since investigations are currently in progress, the school cannot offer additional details regarding the incident.

Following Pranav’s passing, the SSP expressed their condolences and support on Wednesday by updating their Facebook page with an all-black cover photo, accompanied by a black-and-white school logo, as a gesture of solidarity. 

Mr Alan Ow, the Chief Executive of the Singapore Badminton Association, said that he has been in contact with the student’s family. 

He emphasised that the school supported the family during this difficult time and appealed to the public to respect their privacy as they grieve the loss of their loved one.

Fatalities Happening in School

This incident is not the only death that has occurred within a school compound. 

Last year, a 19-year-old student at the National University of Singapore (NUS) lost her life after falling from a height on the university’s campus.

The young woman resided in Cinnamon College, known for housing students in the University Scholars Programme (USP) and international students.