World Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum tragically passed away due to severe head injuries sustained in an accident in Kaptagat, Elgeyo Marakwet according to his autopsy report.
Chief Government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor conducted the autopsy on Kiptum’s body. In his report, the government doctor has revealed severe fractures on Kiptum’s skull, ribs, and lungs.
Dr. Oduor, who was called in to address speculation surrounding Kiptum’s death, carried out the postmortem examination at the Eldoret Hospital morgue in the presence of Kiptum’s father and homicide officers from the DCI headquarters. Samples were taken from the body for toxicology analysis.
Following the detailed postmortem, family spokesman Philip Kiplagat expressed satisfaction with the findings and announced plans for Kiptum’s burial on Friday.
Survivor Sharon Kosgei, who was in the vehicle during the accident, recounted to the police that Kiptum lost control of the car on the Eldoret – Ravine road, leading to the tragic incident. She provided a detailed statement at the Iten Police Station.
In honor of the fallen athlete, a procession and candle-lighting exercise will be held in Eldoret, with athletes and local leaders expected to attend. The procession will start at the Eldoret arboretum and conclude at Nandi Park for the candle lighting ceremony.
Kiptum, along with his coach Gervais Hakizamana, lost their lives in the accident. Hakizamana’s body was flown to Nairobi and then to Kigali, Rwanda, for burial.
Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing, with homicide officers from the DCI headquarters leading the inquiry. Kiptum will be laid to rest at his farm near Naiberi in Uasin Gishu County, with his body scheduled to be escorted through the streets of Eldoret on Thursday before the burial ceremony on Friday, February 23.
