S'pore boy, 16, with rare congenital heart defect dies after post-surgery ICU care

Muhammad Rauf, who was born with a single ventricle heart defect, has passed away, his school confirmed.

The 16-year-old's parents previously launched an online fundraiser seeking donations from the public for a surgery they believed could save his life.

The campaign ultimately raised S$391,188 from nearly 7,000 donors, exceeding the goal of S$390,000.

In a Facebook post on Jul. 18, Rauf's school Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah (MWTI) wrote that the teen passed that morning.

"His passing is a loss that is deeply felt by all the members of MWTI," the school said. The staff sent their condolences to Rauf's family.

Rauf's condition

The only child to his elderly parents, Rauf underwent several major surgeries for his rare heart defect as a toddler, but was able to lead a fairly stable life for 12 years.

After his condition worsened in early 2026, he was hospitalised in April due to fluid retention.

His father Muhammad, speaking to Mothership in early June, described Rauf's state as "suspension just waiting to go down", which was why he urgently needed surgery.

On Jun. 12, the family updated the fundraiser page to inform the public that Rauf's surgery was tentatively set for the following week.

In another update about a week afterwards, the family wrote that Rauf was "currently in the ICU [intensive care unit] for his recovery".

They also thanked the public for their support.

"Your generosity and kindness have been such a significant part of his journey," they said. "​Thank you for everything you have done for Rauf."