Who Was Driving the Car That Killed Kelvin Kiptum?
Follow Us
A tragic accident befell the long-distance running community as 24-year-old world record holder Kelvin Kiptum lost his life in a late-night car crash near Nairobi, Kenya. Kiptum has had a tremendous influence on the marathon scene during the past two years, including winning the 2023 London Marathon. Then, at the October Chicago Marathon, he stunned the running community by surpassing Eliud Kipchoge’s world record, clocking 2:00:35.
The unfortunate accident took place late on Sunday night, and devastated fans and the sports community as a whole, as it claimed the life of a gifted athlete. Amidst the sorrow, many fans questioned: Who was behind the wheel during the crash?
Kelvin Kiptum car crash update
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
A sorrowful tweet by @BBCAfrica captioned, “Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum, the men’s marathon world record holder, has died in a road accident in his home country, aged 24. He was killed alongside his coach, Rwanda’s Gervais Hakizimana. Our thoughts are with their friends and families,” broke the news on the internet.
Kenya's Kelvin Kiptum, the men's marathon world record holder, has died in a road accident in his home country, aged 24.
He was killed alongside his coach, Rwanda's Gervais Hakizimana.
Our thoughts are with their friends and families. pic.twitter.com/Vpxj582vz3
— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) February 12, 2024
According to police accounts, the incident occurred at about 11 p.m., close to the town of Kapsabet in western Kenya, an area well-known for serving as a training center for top distance runners. The car driven by Kiptum swerved off the road, fell into a ditch, and struck a tree. A third passenger, a lady, was taken to the hospital after she survived the collision with sustaining injuries. The photos showed the silver car with a broken roof and one door that had been thrown open.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
Hours After Crucial Bodycam Report, Scottie Scheffler’s Arrest Case Takes a Riveting Turn
May 19, 2024 03:11 PM EDT
Spire Motorsports Backs Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Allegations Bleeding Rick Hendrick Dry
May 20, 2024 02:20 AM EDT
Scottie Scheffler Arrest: Legal Troubles to Escalate After Temporary Relief as Close Aide Delivers Harsh Truth
May 21, 2024 06:12 AM EDT
‘Rattled’ Scottie Scheffler Reveals Police Officer’s Unsettling Question That Left Him Speechless
May 17, 2024 10:07 PM EDT
Despite Channeling Flojo, Sha’Carri Richardson Completely Rejected by Track and Field Community to Beat 36-Year-Old Records
May 21, 2024 03:56 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Untimely demise shatters Olympic dreams
Kiptum and Hakizimana tragically passed away on the spot. Emotions were running high as family members and athletes gathered at the hospital. World’s gold medalist in track Milcah Chemos said, “I have no words to explain the loss of Kelvin,” after seeing him. Meanwhile, Kiptum’s friend Kenneth Kimaiyo described the horrific accident scene to the media. He arrived soon after the collision and discovered Kiptum had been thrown from the vehicle.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It was anticipated that Kiptum and Eliud Kipchoge, both Kenyans, would compete for the gold in the marathon in the upcoming Olympics. Kiptum was supposed to begin his season in April participating in Rotterdam Marathon. Tragically, Kiptum’s untimely demise shattered dreams of Olympic gold and left a void in the world of long-distance running.
Watch this story: Days After Being Hammered at the Diamond League Finals, Noah Lyles Departs on a Free Time Spree with Girlfriend
Edited by:
Sampurna Pal