World Marathon Champion Kelvin Kiptum And Coach Die In Car Crash

In an unfortunate turn of developments, world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, passed away in a road accident.

The 24-year-old athlete, who claimed victory in the London Marathon and set a world record in Chicago, lost control of his vehicle while driving in Kaptagat, southwest Kenya, late Sunday night.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Sports Minister Ababu Namwamba expressed their profound sorrow, describing Kiptum as a remarkable individual and a national hero.

“This is truly heartbreaking as we lament the departure of an extraordinary individual, Kelvin Kiptum, a world record holder and an icon in Kenyan athletics. Alongside his coach, they met a tragic end in an accident tonight. Our nation mourns the deep loss of a genuine hero” – Prime Minister wrote on X.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe also expressed shock and sadness at the loss of Kiptum and Hakizimana, noting the incredible legacy left behind by the athlete.

According to local authorities, the accident occurred when Kiptum’s vehicle veered off the road and collided with a tree before landing in a ditch.

Both Kiptum and Hakizimana died at the scene, while a third passenger was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Kiptum, whose recent world record had just been ratified by World Athletics, had ambitious plans to break the two-hour barrier in the marathon, setting his sights on Rotterdam in April. His untimely death has left the athletics world reeling in shock and sorrow.