The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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According to the latest postmortem conducted by chief government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor on Wednesday, world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum succumbed to severe head injuries resulting from the accident that claimed his life.
Dr. Oduor stated that the examination revealed extensive injuries and fractures to Kiptum’s head, including fractures to the skull and ribs, which also affected his lungs.
The chief pathologist clarified that he was called in to conduct the postmortem due to speculations surrounding the death of the fastest marathoner on earth, and he affirmed that the injuries were consistent with those sustained in the accident.
Image: COURTESY
The postmortem was conducted at the Eldoret Hospital morgue in the presence of Kiptum’s father, Samson Cheruiyot, and a team of homicide officers from the DCI headquarters. After the thorough examination, Dr. Oduor briefed the family before addressing the media.
Samples were taken from the body for toxicology analysis to ascertain any potential contributing factors to the accident.
Family spokesperson Philip Kiplagat expressed satisfaction with the postmortem findings and confirmed that the family would proceed with Kiptum’s burial on Friday.
In the evening, hundreds of athletes are expected to hold a procession and candle-lighting ceremony in Eldoret to honor their fallen colleague, with local leaders also expected to attend. The procession will start at the Eldoret arboretum and conclude at Nandi Park for the candle lighting.
Kiptum, along with his coach, tragically lost their lives in a road accident along the Eldoret-Ravine road a week ago. Homicide officers from the DCI headquarters are currently investigating the cause of the accident.
Kiptum’s final resting place will be at his farm near Naiberi in Uasin Gishu county, with the body set to leave the morgue and escorted through the streets of Eldoret en route to the burial site on Thursday.
The burial coincides with the construction of a new house for the athlete, initiated after President William Ruto ordered its construction on Kiptum’s farm. Engineers and workers are working diligently to complete the home before Thursday, ensuring it is ready before the body is transported from the morgue.
