Another undergrad passed away...

Dear Students,

Scott Jared Monat

We are deeply saddened by the recent loss of one of our exchange students, Mr Scott Jared Monat, a second-year neurobiology major from the University of Miami. While there has been much media speculation surrounding the circumstances of his passing, I would like to share with you the facts relating to the incident.

In the early hours of Wednesday, 4 March 2009, the Resident Advisor at Prince George’s Park Residences (PGPR), Assoc Prof Daniel Seng, was called to an emergency involving Scott. A friend who was with Scott at the time had sent the alert when Scott collapsed in his room following some breathing difficulties. The PGPR Cluster Leader, Resident Assistants and Assoc Prof Seng, together with some students, rendered assistance and called for an ambulance. Scott was admitted to the nearby National University Hospital at about 5.30 am. Unfortunately, he did not respond to medical treatment there and passed away at about 6.20 am.

The NUS Crisis Emergency Team took immediate steps to inform Scott’s family, his home university and the US Embassy in Singapore. Vice-Dean Prof Wong Sek Man, Incident Commander for the Faculty of Science, conveyed the sad news to Scott’s family in the US while our International Relations Office contacted the University of Miami in Coral Gables and the embassy. Staff from the Office of Student Affairs and University counsellors also met up with Scott’s immediate hostel mates and course mates at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences to offer support.

Yesterday, Scott’s cousin arrived from Hong Kong as the family’s representative. Prof Wong accompanied him to the Singapore General Hospital Mortuary and the Singapore Casket to arrange for Scott’s body to be brought home. A small group of NUS staff and counsellors stayed with Scott’s cousin as he met up with Scott’s closest friends here. Scott’s body will be brought home to his family in the US today. The cause of his unfortunate passing is under police investigation.

We offer our deepest sympathies to Scott’s family and friends. We would also like to thank those in the NUS community who tried to help Scott during the incident, as well as those who assisted, and continue to assist, Scott’s family and friends during this difficult time.

The University will continue to provide counselling support to affected staff and students who have lost a dear student and friend. NUS counsellors can be reached at tel: 6516 2376 and email: cps@nus.edu.sg.

Thank you.

Prof Tan Eng Chye
Deputy President (Academic Affairs) & Provost