Kelvin Kiptum’s dad says thriller males visited residence days earlier than crash demise
Kelvin Kiptum’s father claims 4 thriller males visited his residence searching for the athlete simply days earlier than his tragic demise.
The London Marathon 2023 winner and present world file holder was concerned in a horrific automobile crash in his native Kenya on Sunday. Kiptum died aged 24 alongside his supervisor Gervais Hakizimana within the accident, which passed off between Elodret and Kaptagat in western Kenya, a preferred coaching spot for high distance runners.
Police studies state Kiptum misplaced management of his car and veered off-road, hitting a big tree after driving in a ditch for about 60 metres. A feminine passenger, Sharon Chepkirui Kosgei, was additionally concerned however has since been discharged from hospital.
READ MORE: London Marathon 2023 winner Kelvin Kiptum, 24, and coach killed in automobile crash
READ MORE: Devastating pics present wreckage of crash that killed marathon file holder Kelvin Kiptum
And with athletes all over the world mourning his demise, Kiptum’s father Samson Cheruiyot has spoken out for the primary time.
The heartbroken dad instructed Citizen TV: “There are people who came home a while back who were looking for Kiptum but they refused to identify themselves. I asked them to provide identification, but they opted to leave. It was a group of four people.”
Samson, a farmer, added: “I got the news of my son’s death while I was watching the news. I went to the scene of the accident but the police had taken the body to Eldoret.
“Kiptum was my only child. If he was alive, we would have great opportunities ahead. At our age, we don’t have any help and he has left children.”
His sorrow was made worse by their final chat on Saturday, only a day earlier than the tragedy. “He told me someone will come and help us build a house. He said that his body is now fit, and he can now run for 1:59,” he added.
“He has left me, his mum, and his kids. I have no other child. His mum was sick for a while. Right now I’m deeply saddened.”
The Kenyan athlete had taken long-distance working by storm, competing in his first marathon in 2022 earlier than snatching compatriot Eliud Kipchoge’s file with a exceptional time of two hours and 35 seconds in October.
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Kiptum’s spouse, Asenath Rotich, had deliberate to journey with him to Rotterdam in April for his newest record-breaking try. “At times I would tell him he’s working out too much,” she stated. “He loved his children so much, I don’t know what I would tell them.”
Fellow athlete Kipchoge additionally paid tribute to Kiptum on social media, writing: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of the Marathon World record holder and rising star Kelvin Kiptum.
“An athlete who had an entire life forward of him to attain unimaginable greatness. I provide my deepest condolences to his younger household. May God consolation you throughout this attempting time.”