Tan Chee Tean dies in car crash at 24 as Malaysia badminton mourns, just two weeks after Lee Chong Wei’s cancer news
The doubles specialist was trying to resurrect his career in Austria and suffered fatal accident in Brno, Czech Republic after playing in a tournament
Malaysian badminton fans are in mourning following the death of former national player Tan Chee Tean, who was trying to make a fresh start in Europe.
The 24-year-old was killed in a car accident in Brno, Czech Republic on Friday, the news coming just two weeks after the country’s top singles player, Lee Chong Wei, announced he was suffering from nasal cancer.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) released a statement saying it was “deeply saddened by the loss”.
“I am extremely sad to learn of the passing of Chee Tean. He was a special young talent, capable of playing in both mixed doubles & men’s doubles,” BAM president Norza Zakaria said.
“His untimely demise is a huge loss not only to his family but also to the badminton fraternity. The thoughts of everyone at BAM are with his family and friends at this very difficult time.”
Tan’s death comes soon after two-time Olympic silver medallist and former world number one Lee stunned Malaysian badminton when he announced his cancer battle.