Online tribute stream in as family bids farewell to canal crash victims

SINGAPORE — Strangers posted tributes online, as friends and relatives of Madam Yep Lay Choo and her daughter Kimberly Poon — who died in the tragic Alexandra Canal crash — gathered together to send them off on their final journey today (Jan 28).

The two women died on Sunday night after the silver Mercedes they were in plunged into the Singapore River at Alexandra Canal after exiting the Valley Point Shopping Centre.

As of press time, more than 40 messages of support, in the form of condolences and well-wishes, had been posted on an online obituary website, The Beautiful Memories. Most of the messages were meant for Mr Robin Poon, the 50-year-old car workshop owner who lost his wife and only child in the crash.

Mdm Yep, 52, is listed as director of LHYK Marine, a ship chartering company, as well as Lee Huat Yap Kee, a logistics company, on the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

Her 22-year-old daughter Kimberly was studying at SIM University.

A post by Laverne Lim on the obituary website said: “Cecilia (Mdm Yep), how I am going to miss the times when we will meet and chit chat over anything under the sun, our family, what we love in life etc. I am going to miss how you brighten my days with the funny jokes you sent. RIP, my dear friend.”

Netizen Edmund Tan, wrote: “My deepest condolences sir, may strength be with you and help you move on in life. They are gone but they will live in your heart! Singaporeans are with you during this hard time.”

The cortege started leaving the wake held at Woodlands Street 41 at about 1.15pm on Thursday, with about 100 relatives and friends following it during the funeral procession. Some were seen to be weeping, while others held flowers.

The procession ended at about 1.45pm, and the cremation for mother and daughter was held at Mandai Crematorium at 3pm.