SINGAPORE \u2013 The 24-year-old cyclist who died on the morning of Nov 12 after an accident with a tipper truck in Changi has been identified as national triathlete Russell Lee.<\/p>\n
In a media statement on Nov 15, the Triathlon Association of Singapore (TAS) said it was deeply saddened by Lee\u2019s \u201csudden and tragic passing\u201d, following a road traffic accident along Tanah Merah Coast Road on Nov 12.<\/p>\n
Its president Michelle Evelyn Chow said: \u201cAt just 24 years old, Russell was a dedicated student-athlete and a cherished member of our national squad.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeyond his commitment and resilience in representing Singapore, he was known across the multi-sport fraternity for his warmth, generosity, and the quiet strength he brought to his teammates and friends. His loss leaves an irreplaceable void in our sporting community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chow said that on behalf of the TAS executive committee, staff, coaches and athletes, she extends deepest condolences to Lee\u2019s family, loved ones and teammates \u201cduring this profoundly difficult time\u201d.<\/p>\n
She added that TAS\u2019 immediate priority is to support Lee\u2019s family and provide grief and psychological support to national athletes and coaches who trained alongside him.<\/p>\n
As police investigations are ongoing, Chow said that they are unable to comment on specifics of the accident and respectfully asked the media and the public to respect the privacy of Lee\u2019s family and teammates.<\/p>\n The Triathlon Association of Singapore said that Russell Lee was a dedicated student-athlete and a cherished member of our national squad.<\/p>\n PHOTO: RUSSELL LEE\/INSTAGRAM<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n \u201cWe also take this moment to remind all road users to exercise heightened vigilance, care and mutual respect on our roads, so that every cyclist, motorist and pedestrian returns home safely,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n \u201cDetails regarding memorial arrangements will be shared only in accordance with the wishes of Russell\u2019s family.\u201d<\/p>\n Several national triathlete athletes took to social media on Nov 15 to pay tribute to their late teammate.<\/p>\n Nicholas Rachmadi, who has represented Singapore at multiple SEA Games and won a silver at the 2019 edition, said in an Instagram post that he \u201cnever thought this day would come and a part of me died when I heard the news\u201d.<\/p>\n He added: \u201cJust in pure disbelief and it almost feels like you\u2019re still around, no matter how many times I try and process this. More than just a teammate and competitor, you were like a younger brother to me.<\/p>\n \u201cNo matter how many times you\u2019d share with me that you fell short of your goals, I\u2019d always thought you were a legend in many ways \u2013 the most resilient, hardworking, hungry, loving and goofy person who was never satisfied or contented and flew the flag high.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve touched and inspired more lives than you\u2019d thought, bro, including mine. Walking this road without you will never feel the same, man; you\u2019ll be dearly missed.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/picture><\/div>