Kelvin Kiptum’s cause of death revealed after marathon world record holder died aged at 24, before police arrested four strangers who visited his home
The circumstances surrounding Kelvin Kiptum’s tragic demise have finally been brought to light, with police apprehending four individuals who had visited his residence.
Kiptum, a 24-year-old Kenyan long-distance runner, met his untimely end in a car accident earlier this month in Kenya, claiming the life of his Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizimana, as well.
The news of Kiptum’s passing came merely five days after World Athletics officially recognized his remarkable world record of 2:00.35, achieved during his victory at the Chicago Marathon.
Following pleas from Kiptum’s father, Samson Cheruiyot, for a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his son’s death, a police autopsy has provided some clarity.
According to Johansen Oduor, a Kenyan Government pathologist, Kiptum sustained "serious head injuries" and "lung injuries" in the fatal incident. "The deceased Kelvin suffered serious head injuries. There were serious skull fractures that occurred mainly at the base of the skull," the doctor elaborated. Additionally, "there were some fractures to the ribs on both sides."
Oduor emphasized that the primary cause of Kelvin’s demise were the severe head injuries, which bore resemblance to those typically sustained in a car accident. Samples have been collected for further analysis as the investigation unfolds.
In response to the autopsy findings, Kiptum’s family expressed satisfaction, with Philip Kiplagat, a family spokesperson, stating, "We are satisfied with the results. I witnessed the entire process. We are now waiting for the samples which they said will be taken for analysis."
In a surprising turn, police also detained four individuals who had visited Kiptum’s home just four days prior to his demise, following revelations by Samson Cheruiyot. Cheruiyot had urged the authorities to thoroughly probe the events leading up to his son's death, a request that has evidently prompted action.
Kiptum’s groundbreaking achievement in October, breaking Eliud Kipchoge’s world record, was a momentous occasion for the running community. His coach, Gervais Hakizimana, also perished in the tragic accident near Kaptagat, a renowned training ground for long-distance runners in southwestern Kenya.
Further details of the accident depict a harrowing scene, with passenger Sharon Chepkemoi being the sole survivor after being rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
Mourners have gathered to bid farewell to Kiptum, with reports from Kenneth Kimaiyo, one of the initial responders at the crash site, revealing the grim discovery of Kiptum’s lifeless body under the vehicle.
The accident, which occurred in the Kaptagat area along the Eldama-Eldoret ravine, saw Kiptum losing control of his vehicle, veering off the road into a ditch before colliding with a large tree approximately 60 meters from the main road, according to Jackson Tuwei, president of Athletics Kenya.
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