OBITUARY
Felipe Lorca, a young aspiring Chilean teenager of 18 years old, passed away after being knocked down by a bus near the Embassy of Malaysia building on late Thursday afternoon, 22 January 2009. The accident happened a few minutes after Felipe visited the Embassy to apply for his visa to Malaysia.
Felipe was an ambitious and friendly young Chilean who was determined to pursue his education in Malaysia. He had been very interested to study English in Malaysia after the Embassy participated in the First International Education Fair at the Universidad de Chile in August 2008. After listening to a talk on 'Why Study in Malaysia' by H.E. Amb Abdullah Faiz at the said Fair, Felipe was even more determined to study English in Malaysia.
Since then, the Embassy has been assisting Felipe with identifying suitable private colleges and contacted these colleges for further information. Felipe visited the Embassy a few times to discuss the prospects of studying and travelling to Malaysia with Ms. Anil Adenan, Head of Chancery, and Mr. Carlos Cueto, Supervisor at the Embassy.
H.E. Amb Abdullah Faiz also had an opportunity to meet with Felipe's parents when the latter visited the Embassy to enquire on education opportunities in Malaysia. After the meeting, the parents felt relieved and confident that Felipe has made a right choice. Finally, after months of research, Felipe decided to travel to Malaysia himself to visit a few potential colleges before making his final decision. Felipe was to hand-in the completed visa application by 23 January and scheduled to travel to Malaysia on 27 January 2009.
Felipe's funeral was held on 24 January 2009 at the Don Bosco Church Santiago and was attended by more than 100 friends and families. The Embassy was represented by Ms. Anil Adenan and Mr. Carlos Cueto and expressed H.E. Amb Faiz?s condolence to the family.
Felipe's untimely departure was deeply felt during the funeral service and as the funeral march to the adjacent school (where Felipe studied during his secondary studies) with his coffin to symbolize his final departure from school, many shed their tears. At the end of the funeral, Felipe's father, in an emotional state, expressed gratitude to the Embassy of Malaysia for helping to realize Felipe's dream. The family was ready to bid farewell to Felipe for his trip to Malaysia but unfortunately, they had to bid final farewell to Felipe - a beloved son and brother.
The Embassy of Malaysia in Santiago would like to express our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family of Felipe Lorca of their loss. May the blessings of God be upon Felipe, and may his soul rest in peace.
Embassy of Malaysia