On Sunday night, it was reported that the world marathon record holder, 24, tragically died in a car accident in Kenya. The athlete and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, both passed away at the scene, while a female passenger reportedly sustained serious injuries. The fatal accident occurred less than a year after Kiptum set the second-fastest marathon time in history and smashed the London course record.
The silver vehicle involved in the accident was left severely damaged, with its back, roof, and front displaying significant destruction. In response to the tragedy, fellow athletes and public figures expressed their grief and paid tribute to Kiptum and his coach. Mo Farah, a prominent long-distance runner, mourned their passing and extended his condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.
Similarly, Kenya’s former prime minister, Raila Odinga, described Kiptum as a remarkable individual and a Kenyan athletics icon, expressing deep sorrow over their loss and offering sympathies to their loved ones and the athletics community. The news of Kiptum’s untimely death has elicited a profound sense of sorrow and mourning, as the global athletic community comes to terms with the loss of a talented athlete and his coach.
