5-10-2024 (SINGAPORE) The body of Harry Tan, a 76-year-old retired teacher from Singapore, was discovered on 4 October following an extensive search-and-rescue operation in the treacherous terrain near Mount Everest.
Mr Tan, an avid hiker and adventurer, had been reported missing on 26 September in the vicinity of the Kongma La Pass, a challenging route situated at a breathtaking altitude of 5,500 metres, surpassing even the height of Everest Base Camp.
Friends of the deceased have revealed that Mr Tan appears to have fallen from a cliff. Efforts are currently underway to recover his remains from the perilous mountainside.
The Kongma La Pass, renowned for its stunning vistas of Mount Everest, forms part of the gruelling Three Passes Trek, an expedition that typically spans two to three weeks. Trekking enthusiasts describe this route as one of the most demanding in the region, testing even seasoned hikers.
Raj Tamang, 58, a close friend and fellow trekker who accompanied Mr Tan to Everest Base Camp in 2019, expressed his disbelief: “I’ve been in a state of shock for over a week. If anyone could have survived such an ordeal, I thought it would be Harry.” Mr Tamang, a Nepali native with deep ties to Singapore, fondly recalled Mr Tan’s remarkable feat of teeing off from Everest Base Camp during their previous expedition, showcasing the retired teacher’s adventurous spirit.
Mr Tan’s passion for exploration was matched only by his dedication to education. Having retired from his teaching position at the National Institute of Education (NIE) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in 2010, he continued to share his knowledge as a part-time lecturer until 2020.
NTU has extended its heartfelt condolences to Mr Tan’s family, offering “all possible support in their time of need.” A university spokesperson praised Mr Tan’s legacy, stating, “As a lecturer, Harry was a beloved teacher and mentor to many students and a supportive friend to his colleagues.”
The Singapore Physical Education Association lauded Mr Tan’s significant contributions to the field, noting that he will be “fondly remembered as a passionate lecturer and mentor to many student teachers, many of whom are now dedicated PE teachers themselves.”
Dr Wan Rizal Wan Zakariah, an MP for Jalan Besar GRC and former mentee of Mr Tan, described him as “a man of immense passion, strength and spirit,” adding, “His love for adventure and dedication to lifelong learning inspired so many of us.”
