In a heartbreaking incident, a 49-year-old private-hire vehicle (PHV) driver in Singapore, Mr. Gavin Neo Jin Kiat, has succumbed to a stroke, leaving his two teenage children without a father. The news of his untimely death has resonated deeply within the community, particularly among fellow drivers who admired his dedication and work ethic.
Mr. Neo, a single father, was known for his commitment to providing for his family. He worked tirelessly, often clocking in up to 16 hours a day, to support his 17-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter. Despite his demanding schedule, he maintained a frugal lifestyle, abstaining from smoking and drinking, but relied on energy drinks, consuming up to three cans of Red Bull daily to stay alert during his long shifts.
The tragic news of Mr. Neo’s passing began circulating on social media on May 30, with reports indicating that he had suffered a stroke just three days prior. His obituary revealed that he passed away on May 29 and was cremated shortly after, following a two-day wake.
A close friend, Bryan Ang, took to Facebook to honor Mr. Neo’s memory, describing him as a humble individual who was always willing to share his experiences with other drivers. Mr. Ang highlighted Mr. Neo’s sacrifices, noting that he often drove late into the night, only to wake early to ensure his daughter made it to school on time. He shared that Mr. Neo would often spend just S$3.80 on a meal, prioritizing his children’s future over personal indulgences.
In light of this tragedy, Mr. Ang has called upon the community to support Mr. Neo’s family during this difficult time, encouraging people to visit the wake or contribute financially to help the children navigate their future without their father.
Insurance no cover
Another fellow driver, Kelvin Lam, expressed his sorrow on social media, emphasizing Mr. Neo’s hardworking nature and the fact that he was not covered by insurance due to his non-membership in the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA). This unfortunate circumstance has led to appeals for donations to assist Mr. Neo’s children as they face the challenges of growing up without parental support.
At the wake, Mr. Neo’s sister shared the family’s struggle to come to terms with their loss, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from the public. She noted that her brother’s death had garnered unexpected attention, highlighting the impact he had on those around him.
The community of PHV drivers has been particularly affected by this incident, with many expressing their empathy for Mr. Neo’s hard work and dedication. A fellow driver, known only as Mr. Zeng, remarked on the demanding nature of the job, where drivers often work long hours to maintain their status and income, especially in a challenging market.
As the community mourns the loss of Mr. Neo, there is a collective hope that his story serves as a reminder for all drivers to prioritize their health while striving to provide for their families. The legacy of Mr. Neo’s hard work and commitment to his children will not be forgotten, and efforts to support his family continue in the wake of this tragedy.