Man Pleads Guilty in Singapore Teen’s Death at Adventure Sports Centre
A tragic incident that resulted in the death of a 15-year-old student at the SAFRA Adventure Sports Centre in Yishun is set to be resolved as a man accused of causing the teenager’s death has indicated his intention to plead guilty. Muhammad Nurul Hakim Mohamed Din, a 23-year-old individual, faces the charge of causing the death of Puah Xin Yang Jethro on February 3, 2021. The student’s organs failed after he was suspended from his safety harness during a rope course at a school camp.
The charge against Muhammad Nurul Hakim is related to a rash act, not amounting to culpable homicide, as he allegedly failed to ensure that both the leg straps of Jethro’s safety harness were properly buckled and adjusted before dispatching him onto the rope course. At the time of the incident, Muhammad Nurul Hakim was the dispatcher of the Canopy Sky Walk rope course, which was organized by outdoor adventure learning company Camelot, according to past reports.
The unfortunate events led to Jethro’s fatal outcome. He died due to multi-organ failure after sustaining neck compression and traumatic asphyxia. The charge sheet reveals that he was suspended in the loose harness after falling off the rope course, and the leg straps on his safety harness became completely unbuckled.
The incident was described as a mishap by SAFRA Yishun in a statement released in February last year. The student was part of an ACS (Independent) camp program when the tragedy occurred.
Muhammad Nurul Hakim appeared in court on Monday, October 16, to convey his intention to seek permission to leave the country temporarily before returning to Singapore for his guilty plea next month. Through his lawyer Mr. Azri Imran Tan of IRB Law, Muhammad Nurul Hakim presented his case, stating that he was selected as an international technical official by the Singapore Silat Federation to participate in two international events in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates during the specified period.
The court has granted Muhammad Nurul Hakim’s request to leave Singapore from November 5 to November 15, but with several conditions attached. He will need to provide additional bail of S$5,000 (US$3,651), submit his complete travel itinerary to the investigating officer before departure, remain contactable, and surrender his passport within 24 hours of his return.
Muhammad Nurul Hakim will return to court on November 22 to make his guilty plea. For the charge of a rash act not amounting to culpable homicide, he could face a maximum penalty of up to five years in jail, be fined, or both.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols and ensuring the well-being of individuals participating in adventure sports activities. It is hoped that justice will be served, providing closure and a lesson for the future.
