SJI International girl, 15, who perished in Maldives accident on school trip, wanted to care for the elderly when she grew up

Jenna Chan was a vibrant, happy-go-lucky girl, who was like a ball of sunshine in everyone's life.

She loved people and animals deeply, often expressing her affection through homemade bakes she joyfully shared.

At just 15 years old, the St. Joseph's Institution (SJI) International student had already set her sights on becoming a geriatrician — a dream fuelled by her compassion and desire to care for others, especially the elderly.

But on Nov. 8, 2024, her dreams were tragically cut short.

Jenna lost her life in an accident during a snorkelling trip while on an overseas expedition to the Maldives.

Almost a month later, her family is still waiting for answers on what exactly happened to Jenna.

Trip of a lifetime

It was supposed to be a trip of a lifetime for the young Singaporean teen, her sister Alicia Chan, who also goes by Alice, told Mothership in an interview.

Grade 9 students at SJI are given opportunities to go on an overseas school trip and Jenna chose the Maldives.

She loved marine animals and was excited to see the whales, seals and other sea creatures there, Alice shared.

On the day of her departure, Jenna beamed with happiness as her father dropped her off.

Before leaving, she sent Alice a heartfelt message saying goodbye, including one of the last things she would ever say to her:

“I love you.”

During the week-long trip, Jenna fulfilled her dream of encountering marine animals, even snapping a photo of a whale shark she eagerly sent to her parents.

But just a day before her return to Singapore, an accident occurred during a snorkelling activity.

The accident

According to a report by the Maldivian news outlet The Edition on Nov. 8, a 15-year-old student participating in a whale shark research project was “hit by the propeller of a running boat” as they were diving into the sea on a snorkelling trip.

The teenager was rushed to a local health centre but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Jenna’s parents were informed of the accident by the school and immediately flew to the Maldives that same day.

As for Alice, she did not feel "ready" and decided to remain behind in Singapore.

The next few days were a flurry of emotions for the family — grief, confusion, and heartbreak.

Funeral mass

Many came to say goodbye to Jenna at her funeral mass held on Nov. 15.

There, the impact that Jenna had made on others with her short years was evident.

Friends from her school, her kindergarten days, teachers, and even acquaintances — such as a couple Jenna met while walking her dog — came to bid her farewell.

Her close friends Dani and Natalie shared heartfelt tributes during the service.

"Her sense of humour and love of everything and everyone around her was what stood out to me," Dani said, her voice trembling as Natalie held her in support.

Dani described how Jenna was the kind of person to bake two different cakes for her birthday just because she had two favourite flavours.

"If I had known the Sunday evening walk we often go on around our neighbourhood was our last, I would have made her stay. Made up some excuse to get her to keep walking with me just to hold on a little longer."

Jenna’s mother, through tears, spoke of the immense loss they faced.

"This is the worse tragedy that could happen to any parents," she said.

She described Jenna’s deep kindness and ambition, sharing how her daughter dreamed of becoming a geriatrician to follow in her footsteps and care for the elderly.

"She wanted to follow in my footsteps and she wanted to take care of me when I'm old and also a grandparent."

Losing a soulmate

For 17-year-old Alice, the loss of her sister feels like losing her soulmate.

Despite being younger, Jenna had a nurturing spirit, Alice shared.

She would always include Alice in everything she did and invite her to hang out with her friends.

"She was really just someone I could be myself with, not just a sister, but just someone like my soulmate," Alice said.

Despite her caring and nurturing nature, Jenna was still just a young girl, even asking Alice to tuck her in the night before her trip.

Family still feels her presence

The funeral service provided the family some solace, as they saw the tremendous impact Jenna had on those around her.

"It's still very hard to believe," Alicia said.

"Especially when I look at photos and videos of her when she was still alive, and she feels very alive, but I think it's just that I feel her with me because she's just so present," she explained.

Through their grief, the family finds moments of laughter, and they could feel Jenna would be laughing with them too, Alice said.

"It's sad but also bittersweet."

GoFundMe

A month after the accident, the family is still waiting for answers.

While unable to share details of the ongoing investigation, Alice voiced her frustration over the lack of updates and news.

"I feel like this is not something that should be looked over, because it's such a serious case of a child on a school trip," she said.

To honour Jenna’s legacy and raise more awareness on the case, Alice launched a GoFundMe campaign.

Donations will support causes close to Jenna’s heart, including Hope Dog Rescue, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), and a planned fund for girls’ education in Cambodia.

"Because I think Jenna, she was very passionate about these causes. She really loved doing social work," Alice said.

A short but full life

In the midst of the tragedy, some commenters online speculated about the circumstances of Jenna's death.

Alice saw some comments speculating that Jenna was "privileged", "spoiled", and "irresponsible".

"She wasn't that way at all, she wasn't spoiled. She loved to help others," Alice said.

"I want everyone to know the kind of person that she was and how her life was really a good one."

@mothershipsg A sister’s love ❤️‍🩹 #sgnews #tiktoksg #fypsg ♬ original sound - Mothership

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Top photos from Alicia Chan