Jarrett Tee jailed after reckless highway stunt kills 18-year-old student and injures rider
An influencer’s reckless stunt on Singapore’s ECP turned fatal, claiming the life of a teenage girl and leaving her boyfriend injured. Despite the tragedy, the driver showed chilling indifference, insisting the victim “deserved it.”
Fatal Game On The Expressway
On February 23, 2024, 30-year-old Jarrett Tee Lee Kiat—then a student at the National University of Singapore and part-time chef—involved himself in a dangerous street stunt that ended with the death of 18-year-old Leann Lim Jia Le. Tee was driving a rented Mercedes-Benz along the East Coast Parkway (ECP) when he engaged in high-speed “blocking and braking” games with a motorcycle.
Racing at speeds of up to 160kmh, Tee deliberately swerved into the motorcycle ridden by 27-year-old Kovan Tan, with Ms Lim as pillion. The collision threw both off the vehicle, flinging them several metres. Ms Lim suffered traumatic brain injuries and died hours later at Changi General Hospital.
A Disturbing Lack Of Remorse
What followed the crash was even more disturbing. Witnesses said Tee remarked to his passengers, “Do you want to see motorcycle fly?” just moments before swerving. After the crash, he told a friend the victim “deserved it” for pushing his limits.
Tee lied to police, claiming the motorcycle was tailgating and high-beaming him. When confronted by friends, he continued to deflect blame, repeating that Ms Lim had made a rude gesture. According to Deputy Public Prosecutor Paul Chia, Tee’s behaviour ranked among “the worst examples of dangerous driving possible.”
Teen’s Life Cut Short
Leann Lim, a student full of promise, was pronounced dead at 2.47pm on February 24, 2024. Meanwhile, Mr Tan sustained multiple abrasions and was hospitalised. The tragic incident was caught on a dashboard camera from a nearby vehicle, clearly showing Tee’s reckless maneuvers and sudden braking.
During court proceedings, victim impact statements from Ms Lim’s family painted a heart-wrenching picture of grief. DPP Chia emphasised how Tee’s actions contrasted with the efforts of paramedics and doctors who fought to save the teenager’s life.
Sentencing And Legal Outcome
On June 27, 2025, the Singapore court sentenced Tee to five years and eight months in jail and imposed a 10-year driving ban. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death. Two other charges—including one for injuring Mr Tan—were taken into consideration during sentencing.
Tee’s lawyer, Pang Khin Wee, argued that Tee was a misguided youth seeking validation, claiming his post-accident comments were a defense mechanism to mask fear and shame. He added that Tee “never truly intended” harm but failed to control his competitive urges.
This tragic case underscores the grave consequences of reckless driving and toxic bravado. For communities in both Singapore and Indonesia—where illegal street racing has grown more visible—it serves as a stark warning. A life lost, another forever scarred, and a future destroyed due to senseless speeding highlight the urgent need for road responsibility and stronger deterrents.
Sources: Straits Times (2025) , CNA (2025)
Keywords: Jarrett Tee Lee Kiat, Leann Lim Jia Le, Dangerous Driving, ECP Collision, Singapore Influencer
