An athlete, Joseph Hussein Njagi collapsed and died after competing in a scholarship trial at the Kipchoge Stadium in Uasin Gishu County.
According to a police report, the athlete, Joseph Hussein Njagi completed the 3,000-meter race around midday and collapsed at the finish line.
The 20-year-old was later rushed to the Uasin Gishu District Hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police officers were informed about the incident and transferred the body to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital morgue, where it will remain pending a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.
“He collapsed immediately after finishing the race, and we did everything possible to get him to the hospital,” said one of the officials who was present at the stadium.
By the time of publishing the Kenya Athletics Federation was yet to issue a statement on the same.
Death Joseph Hussein Njagi Adds to Growing Number of Athletes Who Collapsed
The rising number of athlete deaths is raising concerns across the country, prompting many to question whether enough is being done to safeguard their health.
It is barely a week since junior athlete collapsed and died at a hotel in the Kaptagat area of Elgeyo Marakwet County.
County Police Commander Peter Mulinge confirmed that 28-year-old Willy Chelewa passed away after consuming a meal at the hotel where he had been residing while training.
Also Read: Morteza Mehrzad: Profile of ‘Goliath’ Athlete Struggling to Find a Bed in Paris
Chelewa, who recently participated in the Nairobi City Marathon half marathon, had secured a Chinese sponsor for international races. He finished the race in 65 minutes and 30 seconds, placing 67th. The athlete had taken black tea and rice before collapsing and dying.
Another Athlete Collapsed After Reaching Finish Line
In February this year, Kenya’s distance runner Charles Kipkorir Kipsang collapsed and died after finishing the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope in Buea, Southwest region of Cameroon.
Southwest regional governor, Bernard Okalia Bilai confirmed the death of the 33-year-old, who had completed the challenging 39 kilometres race, which entailed ascending the highest mountain in the West African nation.
Bilai said the athlete was leading the race but started to feel sick towards the end of the race. Bilai said that it was after Kipsang was called to the dais to receive his award at the stadium when he collapsed and was pronounced dead at the local hospital where he had been rushed to.
Also Read: Kelvin Kiptum & Other Kenyan Gold Winning Athletes Who Died in Their Prime
Similarly, in January this year, long distance runner Hosea Kiplagat Kipkemoi died on the evening of January 15, a distance away from his home.
The athlete is reported to have collapsed while in the company of his son in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
According to a police report, tragedy struck when the marathoner who was based in Peru, suddenly fell ill, and collapsed on his way home.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
