25-12-2023 (SINGAPORE) Tragedy struck when a Singaporean woman lost her footing and plummeted 30 meters from a cliff at Minnewaska State Park Preserve in New York, resulting in her untimely demise. The incident occurred last Friday (Dec 22) and was confirmed by her grieving husband, Mr Abdul Rauf Mohd Said, in a heartfelt Facebook post on Dec 23.
Medical professionals made valiant efforts to resuscitate the woman, identified as Nur Aisyah, also known as Ais Sarah, for nearly three hours. Unfortunately, their attempts proved unsuccessful. Mr Abdul Rauf expressed his profound grief, stating, “She fell roughly 100 feet and did not survive. My heart is broken into pieces, and I don’t know how to piece them back together. I’ve been crying non-stop for the last 12 hours and been really distraught by myself now. I’m sorry I didn’t manage to get to you in time, sayang (dear in Malay).”
In response to inquiries, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) informed CNA on Monday that the MFA is providing consular assistance to Ms Aisyah’s family through the Singapore Consulate in New York. Offering their condolences, the MFA expressed their deepest sympathies to the grieving family.
According to their LinkedIn profiles, Mr Abdul Rauf and Ms Aisyah were co-founders of Noble Sky International, a real estate investment company specializing in the US market.
On Monday, Mr Abdul Rauf shared on Facebook that the autopsy had been completed, and he fervently hoped for the swift repatriation of his wife’s body. He appealed for assistance, revealing that “stringent regulations” compelled him to seek an exception from Singapore Airlines to transport his wife’s remains on Tuesday morning’s flight, even without the required paperwork.
Expressing gratitude, Mr Abdul Rauf also thanked three sisters who were present at Minnewaska State Park during the tragic incident. Upon hearing his cries, they bravely descended the cliff to reach his wife, providing solace during her final moments. “Thank you once again to Julia and her sisters for being by my wife’s side during her final living moments,” he expressed.
Minnewaska State Park has previously witnessed two fatal accidents involving hikers falling from heights, as reported by US media in 2021 and 2015.
