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Kelvin Kiptum died from severe head injuries - autopsy

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By Mary Wambui | 21 Feb 2024

He said the nature of the injuries matched that of a motor vehicle accident and that samples had been picked for further analysis.

Marathon world record-holder Kelvin Kiptum died due to severe head injuries caused by a motor vehicle accident, chief government pathologist confirmed on Wednesday.

Dr Johansen Oduor addressed journalists after conducting the post-mortem at Eldoret Hospital morgue.

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"I am through with the post mortem of the body of the late Kelvin Kiptum, a 24-year-old gentleman who it was alleged was involved in a fatal motor vehicle accident. Following the allegations, so many issues came up and led us to come here to perform the postmortem to establish what happened."

"The findings were that the late had severe head fractures which were mainly at the base of the skull. Further to that, there were fractures to both sides of the ribs and injuries to the lungs," revealed Dr Oduor.

He said the nature of the injuries matched that of a motor vehicle accident and that samples had been picked for further analysis as the probe into the circumstances of the accident is still ongoing.

"The samples will undergo a full toxicological analysis to see whether there was anything in his system that could have contributed to him being involved in the motor vehicle accident," added Dr Oduor.

The deceased was driving his Toyota Premio carrying two passengers including Gervais Hakizimana, his 37-year-old Rwandan coach and 24-year-old Sharon Chepkurui Kosgei Keiyo from Eldoret. He was heading towards Ravine.

Upon reaching the location of the accident (Kaptagat Forest area along Eldoret -Ravine road), he lost control and veered off the road, entering into a ditch on his left side.

The police explained that the athlete drove in the ditch for about 60 metres before hitting a big tree.

"As a result, 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," added the police.

On Wednesday morning, homicide detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations joined the ongoing probe into the deaths.

The detectives were seen revisiting the areas toured by the deceased ahead of the fatal crash.

Kiptum will be buried on Friday. His coach was buried on Wednesday after a ceremony that Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba attended.

"Our deepest sympathies to Joan, Lyana, Christine and the rest of the family of Gervais Hakizimana. We mourn with you the loss of a fine son of Rwanda, East Africa and Africa. Rest well, brother Hakizimana," he tweeted.