Kelvin Kiptum Death: Disheartened Noah Lyles Pens Desolate Message Alongside Exclusive Picture

The 2024 track and field season started off smoothly with the return of the indoor events. However, an unfortunate tragedy struck as Kenyan marathon star Kelvin Kiptum suddenly met an untimely demise. The news has devastated every track fan and athlete including Noah Lyles.

Kelvin Kiptum was the world record holder for the fastest marathon finish in the world. His home country and the world had high hopes for the 24-year-old to become one of the greatest of all time. Expressing his sorrow and condolences at his passing, Noah Lyles shared a new social media update with his fans.

Words of condolences for Kelvin Kiptum

Noah Lyles added a story to his Instagram and shared a picture wherein he posed with three more athletes including Kelvin Kiptum. The black-and-white image showcased the four athletes wearing elegant tuxedos. Lyles captioned it as, “RIP. Truly sad and I pray for your loved ones in their time of loss.”

The young athlete had become the fastest marathon runner last year when he shattered the world record of his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge. Kelvin Kiptum was just 35 seconds away from becoming the first marathoner to surpass the two-hour barrier in the 26.2 miles (42km) distance. 

Sharing his condolences, Kipchoge posted a tweet on X and said, “An athlete who had a whole life ahead of him to achieve incredible greatness.” Kenya’s President William Ruto also paid his respects to the national hero who had made an international mark in his discipline. Kelvin Kiptum lost his life to a tragic road accident.

Unfortunately, Kelvin Kiptum was with his coach Gervais Hakizimana at the time, who also lost his life. Kiptum’s family is devastated by the news of the loss of their son. In fact, they are also worried about his kids.

The void created by a tragedy

According to BBC, Samson Cheruiyot, the father of Kelvin Kiptum said, “Kiptum was my only child, now he’s left me,” he told Kenya’s Citizen TV. “I don’t know what to say, I see his children will be looking to me, and my child is gone… Now, who will help us raise his kids?” Cheruiyot learnt about his son’s demise from the news when he was watching TV.

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This was followed by a phone call a few minutes later informing him that his son’s car was found in a forested area. Apparently, Kelvin Kiptum had lost control of his vehicle and veered into a ditch before hitting a tree.

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