The fear of heights is often dismissed until a tragic incident like this happens, reminding us of the very real dangers associated with it.
In a heart-wrenching incident, a 39-year-old Singaporean woman, Madam Nur Aisyah, tragically fell off a 30m cliff at Minnewaska State Park Preserve in New York.
This occurred on 22 December, just days before Christmas.
Madam Nur Aisyah, along with her husband Mr Abdul Rauf Mohd Said, had travelled to the US. The couple, co-founders of Noble Sky International, a real estate investment firm, were said to be on one of their routine work trips.
On that fateful day, the couple was admiring the scenery in Minnewaska State Park Preserve when Madam Nur Aisyah slipped and fell.
In a matter of seconds, Mr Abdul Rauf, in a desperate attempt to save her, rushed forward but also slipped, though he managed not to fall off the cliff.
Reeling from the shock, Mr Abdul Rauf recounted the tragedy on his Facebook, expressing his profound sorrow and wishing it had been him who fell, not his wife.
He vividly remembers Madam Nur Aisyah’s face just before the fall, an image he says will forever haunt him.
Frantically, he shouted for help, hoping his voice would reach those 30m below.
Fortuitously, his cries were heard by three American sisters, their father, and aunt, who quickly made their way to the scene despite the challenging terrain.
Mr Abdul Rauf, from atop the cliff, used his phone camera to zoom in and monitor the situation below.
Upon reaching Madam Nur Aisyah, the group relayed to Mr Abdul Rauf that she was still breathing and provided her with their coats for warmth.
The rescue team arrived later, and Mr Abdul Rauf was instructed to maintain a safe distance from the cliff as they worked to evacuate his wife.
The rescue operation, hindered by the difficult terrain and necessitating some tree-cutting, took nearly three hours before a helicopter could reach her.
Tragically, by the time Madam Nur Aisyah was evacuated, she had stopped breathing. Despite being rushed to the nearest hospital, it was confirmed that she had not survived.
In his profound grief, Mr Abdul Rauf regretted not being able to be by her side in her final moments.
Thankfully, the three sisters were able to briefly converse with Madam Nur Aisyah, learning her name, her love for her two dogs, her desire for sweet tea, and her repeated expressions of gratitude to them.
Mr Abdul Rauf fondly remembered his wife as an animal lover and rescuer, embodying the same compassion as those who were with her in her last moments.
The news has deeply shocked the couple’s family back in Singapore.
Mr Abdul Rauf’s sister, Ms Siti Nurwanti Mohd Said, an associate division director at Singapore Realtors Inc., was overwhelmed and at a loss for words, according to The Straits Times.
Currently, an autopsy has been performed on Madam Nur Aisyah.
Mr Abdul Rauf is en route back to Singapore on Singapore Airlines, which graciously allowed him to view his wife’s casket as it was loaded onto the plane.
They are expected to arrive in Singapore early Wednesday morning.
Meanwhile, at Minnewaska State Park Preserve, the Millbrook Footpath and Upper Stony Kill Falls Footpaths remain closed due to icy conditions.
Maybe for those who are considering to still climb up the cliff for a challenge, you could keep a close watch of the weather conditions, and maybe get an Apple Watch to save yourself from any possible falls.