Friends remember NTU student who died from an accident in Slovakia

By Rachel Chia, News Editor

Ripples of shock and grief spread through the University after news broke yesterday (28 Nov) of the death of a 23-year-old student who was on exchange.

Justin Tan Honng Tze, a third-year School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering student, was driving in a storm in Slovakia when a tree fell on his car and hit his head, NTU President Professor Bertil Andersson said in an email to students.

Tan, who was on exchange for the semester at the Czech Republic’s VSB Technical University of Ostrava, was found unconscious by a rescue crew. He did not regain consciousness after being admitted to the hospital.

His parents and brother flew to Slovakia on Wednesday (23 Nov), accompanied by Associate Chair of MAE Prof Ooi Kim Tiow.

Tan passed away in the hospital two days later.

In his email, Prof Andersson described Tan as “outgoing” and “kind”.

“He was an avid climber who loved to take on challenges and adventures. A national athlete, he represented Singapore in the 2011 Southeast Asian Games for sport climbing,” he added.

Third-year School of Civil and Environmental Engineering student Chew Wei Kwang, who is also on exchange at VSB, said Tan was “very genuine and sincere” and was well-liked by everyone.

“He was always thankful for the little things, which is what made him so lovable. There was never a dull moment with him.

“It just happened too suddenly,” the 23-year-old said. “We are still in shock and trying to come to terms with his sudden passing.”

Fellow sport climber Lynnette Koh, 22, said Tan loved adventure and “nothing could hold him back”.

Koh first met Tan in 2012, when they represented Singapore at the International Federation of Sport Climbing World Youth Championships.

“He was one of the easiest-going people I know, always filled with positivity and always excited to tell you stories of his adventures.

“It’s unfair that he was taken away from us, but he is definitely in a better place now. He lived with no excuses and his photos would make you wonder why you’re not out there travelling and seeing what the world has to offer,” the third-year National Institute of Education student added.

Tan had even recovered from a fall — which put him in a wheelchair, then crutches — just in time to go for his exchange, said Ben Yap, 20, who first met Tan at the Pioneer Hall orientation camp last year.

The two used to stop for quick chats whenever they saw each other before Tan left for his exchange semester.

“He (Tan) was a genuinely nice person with a big sense of adventure and enthusiasm for life,” Yap, a second-year Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine student, added.

Tan’s friend Niccholas Haw, 23, also said: “Justin was an outgoing and adventurous person. He was humble despite his many accomplishments.”

Haw first met Tan in 2010 at a climbing gym, and the two would go for climbing trips together.

“Losing him affected many of us greatly. As one of my closest friends, his presence will be missed,” the second-year School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering student added. 

Tan’s parents will be cremating his body in Slovakia and bringing his ashes back to Singapore. His organs will be donated to Slovakian patients.

Prof Andersson said that the University has been doing all it can to support and assist Tan’s family. Professional counselors will also be available to help fellow students cope with the “emotional impact of this tragedy”.

“Together, let us offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to Justin’s family and friends, and give them our strongest support during this difficult time,” he added.