Iban Artiste Dies in Early Morning Crash

SIBU: An Iban recording artiste, Robert Nell, died instantly in a road accident in Selangau early yesterday morning.

The 34-year-old singer, who was also a primary school teacher in Bintulu, succumbed to serious head and chest injuries in the 4.30am accident.

Earlier, Robert had travelled to Kuching in the ill-fated Perodua Kembara with a male relative for a song recording.

Early yesterday morning he decided to return home to Sungai Arip in Bintulu to celebrate Christmas.

He made a stopover in Sibu to meet with a friend before heading home even though his friend had advised him to stay, as it was late.

Robert turned down his friend’s invitation and left Sibu at 2am.

Upon reaching Selangau, Robert lost control of his car that spun several times before being hit by a car from behind.

As a result of the impact, Robert was said to have bled profusely from the head.

His relative who was also in the car escaped injuries.

Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene before sending his body to Sibu Hospital’s mortuary at 10am.

At 12pm, family members arrived to claim Robert’s remains.

Several artistes were also present at the hospital to pay their last respects before the body was sent to Bintulu for burial.

Robert graduated from Open University last year with a bachelor degree in Math in education.

- The Borneo Post, 22-12-2011