Sister of TKPS student who died in 2015 Mount Kinabalu earthquake completes climb on his behalf
Nearly a decade after a devastating earthquake claimed the lives of students from Tanjong Katong Primary School (TKPS), one sister has completed the climb her brother never could.
Simran Jaryal, sister of Navdeep Singh Jaryal, shared her emotional journey in a heartfelt post on Mount Kinabalu's official Facebook page.
"Reaching the summit of Mount Kinabalu was one of the most emotional experiences of my life," she wrote. "Every step I took, I carried the memory of my brother - his laughter, his courage, and his unshakable spirit."
Navdeep was among a group of TKPS students and teachers who were on a school expedition to Sabah in June 2015 when a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck.
The quake triggered a rockfall on the mountain, killing 18 people, including seven students and two teachers from the school.
The tragedy led to an outpouring of grief nationwide.
Simran recalled how proud her brother had been to be selected for the school's annual student leadership expedition to Mount Kinabalu, and how diligently he trained for the climb.
"He was a cheeky and funny boy, the kind of person who could light up a room with just a smile or a quick-witted comment," she said.
Though Navdeep never made it to the summit, Simran said she felt his presence throughout her climb.
"This climb was not just for me - it was for Navdeep and his friends. I felt his energy in the mountain air, in the encouragement of those who climbed with me, and in the quiet moments when the path got steep and my spirit faltered."
She also paid tribute to the support of family and friends who had known and loved Navdeep, saying they gave her strength during the journey.
"I reached the top not alone, but with Navdeep in my heart," Simran wrote.
"This climb is a tribute to his memory, to his bravery, and to the joy he brought into all our lives.
"He may not have reached the summit in body, but his soul lives in every sunrise over Kinabalu."
"Forever missed. Forever loved."
