Kelvin Kiptum: World Marathon Record Holder Dies in Eldoret Road Accident
- World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum died along the Eldoret-Kaptagat Road on Sunday, February 11
- Elgeyo Marakwet County Police commander Peter Mulinge said the 24-year-old Kenyan athlete was driving a Toyota Premio when the accident occurred
- Mulinge said Kiptum's Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizimana, also died on the spot during the accident
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World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum has died in a road accident along the Eldoret-Kaptagat Road in Kenya.
Kiptum and his Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizimana, died in a tragic road accident on Sunday, February 11.
Source: Twitter
Kelvin Kiptum: Who was driving the vehicle?
Elgeyo Marakwet County Police Commander Peter Mulinge said the 24-year-old Kenyan athlete, who was driving a Toyota Premio, and his coach died at the scene of the crash.
The police boss said a third occupant survived with serious injuries, Mulinge added.
“He lost control, veered off the road, entered into a ditch 60 meters away and hit a big tree,” Mulinge said.
Muga said the bodies were moved to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary, awaiting a postmortem.
The heartbreaking news comes just a few days after World Athletics ratified Kiptum's marathon record.
Kenyans took to social media to mourn the departed champion, some describing him as a patriot whom they expected to win a gold medal in the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.
Kiptum, who was aged 24, broke the world record by running a staggering 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon in 2023 to surpass the previous record held by compatriot Eliud Kipchoge, saving 34 seconds in the brilliant run.
How Kenyans reacted to Kelvin Kiptum's death
Josh:
"This guy just got his world record recognition this week only to die today? Death comes to you so impromptu. This was such a pure talent. Rest in peace Kelvin Kiptum."
Author Sakwah Ongoma:
"It can't be true that Kelvin Kiptum has died just 5 days after his Marathon world record was ratified. In a year when I was hoping for his Olympics marathon gold medal."
Carol Radull:
"Breaking News: World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum Cheruiyot has passed away in a road accident. Kiptum was on course to become the first athlete to run a sub 2 hours in a official marathon. May he Rest in Peace."
Veteran Nigerian actor Jimi Solanke dies at 81
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported the passing of Jimi Solanke, a veteran Nigerian actor, singer, and poet, much to the dismay of his fans.
The thespian reportedly passed away in the early hours of February 5, 2024, while en route to the hospital.
The news of Solanke's demise has prompted various reactions from Nigerians, who have expressed their grief online.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
