SHE was a bubbly girl and an active student.
But while enjoying a run with her classmates, she suddenly collapsed on the track.
Eight hours later Victoria Junior College student Choo Rui Hua, 17, was pronounced dead at Changi General Hospital.
The tragedy occurred around 10.30am on Tuesday.
Rui Hua, together with about 50 schoolmates were having their physical education lesson.
They were taking a mock physical fitness test, which consisted of three segments - standing-broad jump, inclined pull-ups and a 2.4km run.
And during the run, as Rui Hua approached the final 100m stretch, she collapsed.
Classmates, teachers and friends who rushed to her aid found her unconscious and foaming at the mouth.
One teacher immediately performed cardio-pulmonary resuscitation on her while others rushed to call the ambulance, which took her to CGH.
A teacher from VJC, who declined to be named, told Lianhe Wanbao that Rui Hua had been an exemplary student who excelled in her academic studies and was active in both sports and co-curricular activities.
COMMUNITY PROJECTS
The vibrant girl had been the section leader of her school's harmonica group and was also a member of the Community Involvement Council, in which she was actively involved in various community service projects.
A few days before her death, Rui Hua had also taken part in VJC's annual cross-country run.
When The New Paper visited her wake at Sin Ming Funeral Parlour yesterday evening, the atmosphere was subdued.
Her younger brother, 15, who was keeping vigil by her coffin, appeared calm - a mood shared by many present.
In a corner was a wreath of pink roses from VJC principal Chan Poh Meng and her teachers.
Seated at the table closest to the altar, Rui Hua's parents were surrounded by close friends and relatives, exchanging a few quiet words from time to time.
Earlier, they had agreed to speak to the press. But upon seeing her daughter's body brought into the funeral parlour, Mrs Choo broke down and later the family declined to be interviewed. Rui Hua's cousin, a woman in her 20s who declined to be named, said the death came as a shock because the teen had no known medical problems.
'It hasn't been easy for the parents to regain their composure.
'The school has been very supportive to the family. And so have her classmates and close friends. We would like to thank them for their support,' said the cousin.
When asked about what caused Rui Hua's death, the cousin said the family was told by the hospital that it was probably a case of viral infection.
The scene was sombre, with many students breaking down when they saw her casket.
The grief was apparent in the many heartfelt cards and letters they wrote.
VJC's student care group, comprising 25 teachers and guidance counsellors, will hold counselling sessions to help distraught students cope with Rui Hua's death.
Source
JC girl collapses during PE lessons. She dies 8 hours later 
