In a sombre gathering at Eldoret Hospital Mortuary, family members, fellow athletes, and friends came together to collect the body of Kelvin Kiptum, the world marathon record holder. The atmosphere was heavy with grief as mourners paid their last respects to the beloved athlete.
Emotions Fill Eldoret Hospital Mortuary Loved Ones Pay Final Respects to Kelvin Kiptum
Kelvin Kiptum’s body commenced its final journey from the morgue on Thursday, February 22, as loved ones gathered to bid him farewell before the procession commenced. Overwhelmed by emotion, family and friends grieved as they beheld the body of Kiptum, who tragically lost his life in an accident on February 11.
Escorted by a solemn procession, the body left the morgue at 9:00 am, embarking on an 80-kilometer journey through Eldoret town to Iten town, and finally to his parent’s home in Kipsamo village, Elgeyo Marakwet county. The funeral program includes plans for athletes to walk alongside the hearse for approximately half a kilometre in Eldoret town, paying their respects to their fallen colleague.
Chief government pathologist Johansen Oduor disclosed that Kelvin Kiptum succumbed to severe skull and rib injuries sustained in the tragic accident. The fatal crash occurred late in the evening on Sunday, February 11, along the Eldoret-Kaptagat Highway. Speaking to the press outside Eldoret Hospital on Wednesday, February 21, Oduor revealed the devastating impact of the accident on Kiptum’s spinal cord, resulting in his immediate demise.
Finally, As Kelvin Kiptum’s body embarks on its final journey to its resting place, the outpouring of grief from family, friends, and the athletic community serves as a poignant reminder of the profound loss felt by all who knew and admired the accomplished marathoner.
