The cause of death for the World Marathon record holder, Kelvin Kiptum, has been disclosed. Kelvin Kiptum succumbed to severe head injur...
The cause of death for the World Marathon record holder, Kelvin Kiptum, has been disclosed. Kelvin Kiptum succumbed to severe head injuries resulting from a fatal car crash on February 11, which also claimed the life of his Rwandese coach, Garvis Hakizimana. A third passenger, Sharon Kosgey, survived the accident.
Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor conducted an autopsy at Eldoret Hospital mortuary on February 21, from approximately 11 am to 1:40 pm. Oduor confirmed that the head injuries were consistent with a car accident, stating, “What actually killed the late Kelvin was severe head injuries, which, when I look at them, they look more like something caused by a motor vehicle accident.”
According to the pathologist, Kelvin Kiptum sustained skull fractures mainly at the base, causing the spinal cord to intrude into the canal cavity, revealing the severity of the trauma.
“The late Kelvin had severe head injuries. There were severe skull fractures which were mainly at the base of the skull and the spinal cord had intruded into the canal cavity because of that.“
He said.
Additionally, the autopsy revealed fractures on both sides of the ribs and injured lungs. Oduor specified, “On the left side, the first, second and third ribs were fractured and on the right side the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and seventh ribs were fractured. There were also contusion injuries to the lungs.”
Samples were taken for further toxicological analysis to identify potential contributing factors to the athlete’s death, with Oduor expressing, “We have taken samples for further analysis because the circumstances of the death are being investigated. The samples will undergo full toxicological analysis to establish whether there was anything that contributed to his death.”
The family of the late Kelvin Kiptum expressed their satisfaction with the results of the autopsy, as they await the toxicological report. The family spokesperson Philip Kiplagat said, “We are pleased with the findings of the results. We are now waiting for the samples they have said will be taken for analysis,”
Kelvin Kiptum Funeral Procession
On February 22, athletes, family, and friends gathered at the Eldoret Hospital morgue to pay their last respects to Kelvin Kiptum. After viewing the body, the procession escorted Kiptum for about 80 km through Eldoret town to Iten town, and finally to his parent’s home in Kipsamo village, Elgeyo Marakwet county.
Kelvin Kiptum is set to be buried on Friday, February 23. The burial was initially set for the following day, but, it was moved to accommodate President William Ruto’s schedule as he will be traveling to attend the burial of deceased Namibian president Hage Geingob.
Earlier, President Ruto ordered the construction of a three-bedroom house on Kiptum’s four-acre Naiberi farm. Tasked with completing the project in five days, the contracted company, Vaghjiyani Enterprises Limited, is using advanced technology and precast concrete wall panels to achieve this goal. President William Ruto will present the completed house to Kelvin Kiptum’s family during the burial ceremony.
By Vivian K.
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