World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum has passed on through a tragic road accident along Eldoret-Kapsabet Road.
The 24 Year-old who was driving as they were heading back home lost control of the car as it veered off the road, resulting to his death together with his coach. Speaking at the scene of accident, the Eldoret traffic commandant boss Dennis Muga confirmed that he died instantly and the third occupant is admitted with serious injury.
Kiptum was driving a Toyota Premio with two passengers on board- Garvais and a lady identified as Sharon Kosgey heading to Eldoret. New marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum jets back
Sharon escaped with serious injuries and was rushed to Racecourse Hospital for medical attention, while the bodies of the athlete and his coach were taken to the Racecourse Hospital mortuary.
The vehicle was badly damaged and was towed to Kaptagat Police Station.
“This was a self-involved accident where one Kelvin Kiptum, the world marathon record holder, was driving his vehicle with two passengers. Kiptum and Hakizimana died on the spot and the third person was rushed to Racecourse Hospital in Eldoret,” said the County Commander.
Kiptum, whose marathon record of two hours and 35 seconds was ratified just last week by the World Athletics, was positioning himself to run under two hours at the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14 this year.
He was also in the Kenyan team picked for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Kiptum wins London Marathon in second fastest time in history
According to Mulinge, Kiptum lost control of the vehicle, veered off the road, hit a big tree before landing in a ditch about 60 metres away.
