Beloved Singaporean Teacher Found Dead After Everest Trek Amid Snowstorm

The body of 76-year-old Singaporean, Harry Tan, was found near Mount Everest on October 4, after he went missing on a hiking trail last Thursday. Mr. Tan, a retired teacher and former lecturer at the National Institute of Education (NIE), was hiking near Kongma La Pass when he became separated from his two companions due to a severe snowstorm.

Efforts to rescue him were delayed due to treacherous weather conditions, but once the skies cleared, a search team was dispatched. A fellow hiker witnessed Mr. Tan’s fall before he disappeared, and despite efforts to help, rescue attempts were initially hampered by the extreme weather.

Mr. Tan was a beloved figure, remembered by former students and colleagues for his caring nature and passion for physical education, sports, and the outdoors. His dedication as a teacher and coach left a lasting impact on many, and he will be sorely missed. Various tributes, including from Workers’ Party MP Gerald Giam and veteran lawyer Eugene Thuraisingam, highlighted his influence on their lives.

Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to Mr. Tan’s family. The Ministry and NTU expressed their gratitude to the Nepalese authorities for their support in the search efforts.

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