By Yeo Sam Jo

FAMILY, schoolmates and teachers bid farewell to 12-year-old Tee Yan Chyuan yesterday in a touching scene at Mandai Crematorium. Some wept, others held hands and all whispered their last goodbyes.

The Secondary 1 student from Raffles Institution (RI) died suddenly after a game of badminton on Sunday.

Even though they knew him for barely a week, teachers and schoolmates from RI took time off school to turn up for Yan Chyuan's funeral. Some were also his classmates from primary school and remembered his cheerful disposition.

'I will miss his dimples and his infectious smile,' said Gauis Ong, 12, Yan Chyuan's classmate of three years. 'He was a really great friend.'

Yan Chyuan was St Hilda's Primary School's top PSLE student last year. With an aggregate of 284, he was ranked fourth in the national results.

His family said 'it was always his dream to go to RI'. When his sister entered Raffles Girls' School four years ago, Yan Chyuan was inspired to follow in her footsteps and attend RI. He worked extremely hard, staying back in class during recess to complete his homework.

When he finally got into RI, Yan Chyuan was 'in very high spirits', said his mother, Madam Tan Guat Eng, 47.

His family described him as a 'family boy', who was particularly close to his older sister and grandmother. He often joked with them and was a well-mannered and respectful child who never lost his temper, said his family.

On Sunday, Yan Chyuan was playing badminton with his sister and some friends when he decided to break for a drink. Moments later, he was found lying on the floor, with no pulse.

Yan Chyuan was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead soon after arrival. There were no witnesses to his collapse and the cause of death is unknown, pending further investigation.

His family was distraught when the doctors broke the news.

'I couldn't take it,' said his grandmother, Madam Lee Hee Lian, 75. 'At that moment, we all just lost it and cried.'

Apart from playing chess and computer games, the active boy also enjoyed regular games of badminton and basketball.

His family said he had never had any problems with physical activities before, and added that he had no history of medical problems.

He was also a fit boy who consistently achieved gold for his National Physical Fitness Award.

In an e-mail to The Straits Times, Madam Kew Mee Ying, principal of St Hilda's Primary School, wrote that Yan Chyuan was 'well-loved' by friends and teachers alike. 'We are proud to have had him as a Hildan,' she added.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on January 15, 2009.