Autopsy report reveals what killed marathon world record holder Kiptum

Chief government pathologist Johansen Oduor has disclosed what led to the untimely demise of the reigning marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum.

Oduor conducted a post-mortem on the body of the late runner in the presence of his family members at the Eldoret Hospital Mortuary on Wednesday, February 21.

According to his findings, Kiptum died due to severe head injuries after being involved in a motor vehicle accident.

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“We found that 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.

Further to that, there were some fractures on the ribs on both sides. 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. So, what actually killed the late Kelvin was severe head injuries,” he explained.

The experienced medical practitioner added that they are in possession of samples that will aid in the ongoing investigation concerning the death of Kiptum and his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana.

“We have taken some samples for further analysis because the circumstances of the death are being investigated. The samples will undergo analysis so that we can see whether there was anything that could have contributed to his death,” stated Oduor.

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Hakizimana was buried on Wednesday evening in his native country with the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Youth affairs, Sports and Arts Ababu Namwamba among the Kenyans who attended the ceremony.  

Philip Kiplagat, who spoke on behalf of the deceased’s family, accepted the findings of the post-mortem.

"We are pleased with the findings of the results. I witnessed the whole process. We are now waiting for the samples they have said will be taken for analysis," stated Kiplagat. 

The late Kiptum’s father Samson Cheruiyot was also present to witness the entire process. 

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The funeral service of the one-time Valencia Marathon winner will take place on Friday, February 23 at Chepsamo Primary School domiciled in Keiyo South Constituency.

Kenya’s President William Ruto is among the senior government officials expected to grace the event.

After the service, the late Kiptum is expected to be buried at his farm located in Naiberi, Uasin Gishu County.

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