The family of the late Gervais Hakizimana who was the trainer of World Marathon Record holder Kelvin Kiptum has raised questions on an autopsy report on the cause of his death.
Released on February 16, 2024, in Eldoret, the autopsy results confirmed that the Rwandese marathon trainer died as a result of head injuries sustained from the tragic car accident.
The report, which was consistent with a police report on the car accident, was revealed after a postmortem was conducted by Pathologist Dr Benson Macharia.
Speaking at the Eldoret hospital, the pathologist revealed that the cause of Hakizimana’s is common in car crashes.
“This actually was extensive bleeding and therefore I made a conclusion that the cause of death for Hakizimana Gervais was what we call intracranial bleeding due to head injury and this is consistent with a motor vehicle accident,” said the pathologist.
However, the late marathon trainer’s family has since raised questions on the autopsy report.
According to the Nation, the family was satisfied with the report but raised questions as to how the accident happened, including how a woman survived with minor injuries.
On its part, the family argued that the nature and degree of the injuries were also inconsistent with the initial appearance of their kin, moments after the tragedy.
The relatives further said that they were not satisfied with the information they got based on everything they saw.
Also Read: Why Kelvin Kiptum’s Coach Made U-Turn Not to Relocate to France
Speaking shortly after viewing the body, the family noted that it was intact except for few injuries which according to them, appeared to be minor.
Family questions results
“Considering how the car that was found after the accident and the way it crashed, we were just wondering how someone can come out of such a car and they don’t have at least some wounds?” questioned one of the relatives.
While questioning the nature of the crash, the family further indicated that after viewing the body without deep scars, it was difficult to convince anyone that the deceased was pulled out of the wreckage.
The family also made an appeal to the government to launch investigations into the death of the late Kelvin Kiptum.
According to the family, the body of the late Gervais will be airlifted to his native country, Rwanda, where he will be laid to rest.
“We are requesting the government of Kenya as we are about to leave to do thorough investigations,” said a relative.
Accident that killed Kiptum and his coach
Meanwhile, more details have emerged regarding a statement written by Sharon Kosgei a female passenger who was the sole survivor in the ill-fated car.
Sharon reportedly recorded a detailed statement with Elgeyo Marakwet Police Commander Peter Mulinge concerning the accident.
Also Read: Female Survivor in Kelvin Kiptum’s Road Crash Reveals His Last Moments
“We were able to record statements of Sharon Kosgei. The investigation is still ongoing and once we are through, we will deliver our findings,” said Mulinge.
In the statement recorded at the Iten Police Station, the survivor confirmed that the late world Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum was the driver at the time of the accident.
According to her, the reigning Chicago Marathon winner lost control of the vehicle along the Eldoret-Ravine Road.
Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana breathed their last after being involved in the grisly road accident along the Eldoret-Kaptagat road on Sunday, February 11, 2024.
Following his death, the government has vowed to honor the late World Marathon Record holder in a state burial set for February 24 in his hometown of Chepkorio, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
