Police explain circ**stances leading to accident that claimed Kelvin Kiptum, Rwandan coach

By , K24 Digital
On Mon, 12 Feb, 2024 10:58 | 2 mins read
Wreckage of the ill-fated car Kelvin Kiptum was driving. Inset: Kelvin Kiptum celebrates after winning the Chicago Marathon on October 8, 2023. PHOTOS/Getty Images, X (@Kabogo_Henry)

World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum died alongside his Rwandan coach in a grisly car along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine road on Sunday night February 11, 2024.

The 24-year-old athlete was driving the ill-fated vehicle heading towards Ravine when the accident occurred.

A police report filed at the Kaptagat Police Station detailed the circumstances that led to the fatal accident that claimed the lives of Kiptum and his coach.

According to the police report OB. NO.19 /11/02/2024 seen by K24 Digital, the Chicago Marathon World Record Holder was driving his vehicle registration number KDL 566F Toyota Premio carrying his 37-year-old coach and a 24-year-old female passenger identified as Sharon Chepkurui Kosgei Keiyo.

Police said the trio was travelling from Eldoret heading towards Ravine when they were involved in an accident at Kaptagat Forest at around 11 pm.

The report indicates that Kiptum lost control of the vehicle, veered off the road and plunged 60 metres into a ditch on his left side before hitting a big tree.

Police said Kiptum and his coach died on the spot as a result of the impact while the female passenger suffered life-threatening injuries.

"Kelvin Kiptum and Gervais Hakizimana died on the spot whereas Sharon Chepkurui Kosgei escaped with serious injuries and was rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for treatment," part of the police statement reads.

The report added that the bodies of Kiptum and his coach were moved to Racecourse Hospital Mortuary in Eldoret awaiting postmortem.

Police visited the scene of the accident to assess the tragic incident before they towed the athlete's vehicle to the Kaptagat Police Station awaiting inspection.

"Scene visited and processed. The extensively damaged m/vehicle towed to Kaptagat Police Station awaiting inspection and further police action. Cause code 26 used. Case P.U.I.Further report to follow," the police report said.

Several leaders have since mourned Kelvin Kiptum's death.

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