The Scotsman

A life cut tragically short

23-year-old student described as ‘bright star of the future’

- By FLORENCE SNEAD

A cyclist who died after being hit by a minibus when her wheel became stuck in tram tracks in Edinburgh has been named by police as Zhi Min Soh. The 23-yearold, from Malaysia, was a medical student at the University of Edinburgh. In a statement, the university described her as a “talented, thoughtful” student, adding that she would be “deeply missed” by the medical school

A “talented” medical student has been named as the victim of Scotland’s first tramlinere­lated death.

Zhi Min Soh died in hospital after being struck by a bus in Edinburgh when her bike got caught in a tram track and she fell into its path.

The 23-year-old from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was a student at Edinburgh University’s medical school.

Tributes have been paid to Ms Soh, who spoke four languages and was described as “well respected” by her medical school peers.

In a statement issued through Police Scotland, Dr David Kluth, director of undergradu­ate medical teaching at Edinburgh University’s medical school, said: “Zhi Min was a talented, thoughtful student, who was well-respected by her peers and always keen to help.

“She will be deeply missed by the medical school community.

“Our sympathies at this time are with her family and friends. We have all lost a bright star of the future.”

It is understood Ms Soh – who achieved four A*s in her A-level exams – began her medical studies at Edinburgh University in 2015, having previously studied at the Internatio­nal Medical University in Kuala Lumpur.

Ms Soh also volunteere­d as a tutor for a number of different organisati­ons including United Learning Centre, where she carried out weekly lessons in maths and English for Burmese refugees children aged between six and eight.

She also spent seven months volunteeri­ng as a tutor for Precious Home, a children’s home in Malaysia for those aged four up to 18, as well as sponsoring a child in India through the charity World Vision.

A number of floral tributes have since been laid at the site of Wednesday’s collision, which happened at 8:30am at the junction of Princes Street and Lothian Road. City leaders have now pledged to review cycle safety after lawyers accused the council of ignoring their warnings over the risks of crossing tram tracks.

The council responded that it took road safety “extremely seriously” and would carry out an assessment of the area where Ms Soh was struck.

Officers are still investigat­ing the circumstan­ces of Ms Soh’s death and are appealing for anyone with informatio­n to come forward.

Policeserg­eantfraser­wood, of Edinburgh’s Road Policing Unit, said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with Zhi Min’s family and friends as they come to terms with their loss.

“I would like to thank those who stopped in Princes Street to assist Zhi Min on Wednesday morning.

“A significan­t number of witnesses have come forward and we are continuing to speak to them as part of our ongoing inquiries.

“We will be in touch with all witnesses in due course.

“I would again ask anyone who may be able to help our inquiries to come forward and contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with informatio­n about the incident can contact officers at Edinburgh’s Road Policing Unit on 101, quoting incident 643 of May 31.

“Zhi Min was a talented, thoughtful student, who was well-respected by her peers and always keen to help”

DAVID KLUTH

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 ??  ?? Zhi Min Soh was from Kuala Lumpur
Zhi Min Soh was from Kuala Lumpur

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