Master Warrant Officer Palani Jegathesan, 45,

April 18, 2009
SAF regular dies after run
A VETERAN warrant officer from the Singapore Armed Forces collapsed and died yesterday morning after completing a 3km run at the annual SAF Commanders' Sports Day.

Master Warrant Officer Palani Jegathesan, 45, of the Republic of Singapore Air Force, was taken immediately to the Safti Military Institute Medical Centre, less than five minutes away from where he fell at the Safti Military Institute Sports Complex.

When doctors there failed to revive him, he was rushed to the National University Hospital, but died about an hour later.

The Straits Times understands that the SAF veteran of over 20 years, a father of two, had not complained of any illness before his run. Officers had performed the usual checks to find out if there were some who did not feel well.

MWO Jegathesan had marched in last year's National Day Parade as the regimental sergeant major for the colours party.

He was also said to be health conscious, although he had been diagnosed with diabetes two years ago. He was a vegetarian who did not drink or smoke and he ran three times a week.

He will be given a full military funeral today. Mindef said it was assisting the family and is investigating the incident.

Last month, another warrant officer - 52-year-old Second Warrant Officer Lim Kian Hong - also died during a training run.

KIMBERLY SPYKERMAN