Proud his last moments were used trying to help others: Family of S’porean expedition leader, 30, who died on Mount Dukono

The two remaining Singaporean hikers who had been reported missing following the eruption of Mount Dukono have been confirmed dead, according to Reuters.

One of the deceased identified by media reports is 30-year-old Heng Wen Qiang Timothy.

Always loved the outdoors

Heng was part of The Travel Intern (TTI) and its subsidiary More Better, according to his LinkedIn page.

According to his website, he had gone on expeditions to various countries, including South Africa, Nepal and Mongolia.

TTI told Mothership that he has"contributed significantly" to the groundwork and expedition operations during his time with the company.

After Heng left TTI in 2024, he founded a travel company called The Outside.

Speaking to Mothership, Heng's stepsister, Tessa Oh, said that her brother has always loved the outdoors and trekking in adulthood.

The family had thought this trip was just "another expedition".

She added: "Obviously, we know that every trip that he goes on carries risks, because of the nature of the hiking/trekking activities, but this is beyond our worst imagination."

Oh described her brother as a "thrill seeker and daredevil" among the four siblings, and the one to "do things off the beaten path".

Helping others

The expedition to Indonesia that the group of Singaporeans were on was one organised by Heng and The Outside.

In a previous report by The Straits Times, it was revealed that Heng had been planning this trip with the mountain guide for almost a year.

The pair discussed routes, prices, equipment and emergency arrangements.

The mountain guide told ST that after the volcano started erupting, one Singaporean had rushed back to the crater to help a friend who had collapsed.

The former is believed to be Heng, while the latter was believed to be Shahin Muhrez bin Abdul Hamid.

While Heng managed to resuscitate Shahin, the latter could not stand.

While the guide and Heng dragged him away from the crater, a large boulder then pinned down the two Singaporean men.

Unable to move them, the guide had no choice but to run down the mountain to safety.

When Oh and her family read of this recount, she said it was "exactly what [they] expected of his character".

"Even though we are grieving, we are very proud to know his last moments were spent trying to help others," she said.

Oh confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has been in contact with the family, and are appreciative of the prompt updates.

"My family had held out hope for the last two days that my brother was still alive, just injured, up on the mountains.

The confirmation of his death really hit us, and we are very devastated by the loss of our son and brother. It’s not easy for anyone to find out that their loved one has passed away."

The family also wishes to convey their gratitude to the Indonesian search-and-rescue team for their efforts.

She said: "There’s not enough thanks for their tireless efforts in the past two days and we are beyond grateful."