SINGAPORE: Ex-CNA reporter, 29, dies

Former Channel News Asia journalist Derek Cher died of heart failure, family says

Straits Times
Monday, April 24, 2006

By David Boey

Former Channel News Asia (CNA) journalist Derek Cher died suddenly on Saturday. His family told The Straits Times he died of heart failure.

The 29-year-old investment analyst was at work when colleagues found him slumped at his desk at around 3pm.

Mr Cher, who presented business news on television, quit journalism in mid-February to take up a job offer with OCBC Securities.

Mr Hui Yew Ping, managing director of OCBC Securities, said that he was found unconscious and an ambulance was immediately called.

No details were available of when he was pronounced dead.

He was with CNA for several years and reported on business news. He also had a stint on CNA's news desk.

Yesterday morning, news of his death spread quickly by SMS among TV, print and radio journalists who knew him.

Many were shocked that someone in the prime of his life had died suddenly.

"He'd just changed jobs and had everything going for him, said a former colleague.

A schoolmate from Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC) recalled that Mr Cher was a keen sportsman and a member of the ACJC kayak and dragon boat team.

Mr Cher, who was single, leaves his grandmother, parents and a married sister. Prayers for him began at 6pm yesterday evening at the Diamond Room at Singapore Casket.

His cortege leaves at noon on Wednesday for Choa Chu Kang Christian Cemetery for burial at 1pm.

Date Posted: 4/24/2006