Athletics enthusiasts around the world were sent into shock following the saddening news of the tragic demise of a Kenyan athlete, who collapsed and died.
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.
“The assistant chief of the Mindililwo area of Iten reported an incident where a man was walking with his son from a shopping center,” explained the county commander Peter Mulinge.
He further added, “Eyewitnesses said that he sat down and complained of chest pains before he died on the spot. Police rushed to the scene and confirmed it was true.”
Athlete Was in Good Health
Kiplagat’s brother Anderson Kemboi while expressing shock following the sudden death of his brother’s demise noted that the athlete was a hardworking man and had always been in good health.
“We are saddened with the death of our brother. He was in the process of completing a house before heading to Kapsowar where he normally trains,” stated Kemboi.
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Kiplagat is reported to have jetted back into the country two months ago from his home in Lima, Peru.
The 32-year-old had been competing in the South American country in various long-distance races.
Also, he trained at the Kapsait Athletics Training Camp in Elgeyo Marakwet County when he was in Kenya.
He has participated in different races in both Peru and Kenya. In September 2022, the athlete clocked 2:15:42 in the South American country during the Lima 4k marathon.
He has also participated in the Nairobi and Eldoret City Marathons in 2022 and 2021 respectively.
Kiplagat Mourned
The Athletics’ fraternity joined in to mourn the tragic demise of the marathoner.
2022 World Marathon silver medalist Judith Korir described the late as a jovial and hardworking athlete.
“He was a good man and always smiled at everyone he met. It is so sad that we have lost him,” said Korir.
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On the other hand, Marathon champion Vivian Kiplagat noted that she was saddened by the loss, adding that Kiplagat’s career was just picking up.
“Kiplagat used to pace me at the camp and was a good athlete with a few words. We are shocked that he just collapsed and died,” said Vivian.
Kiplagat’s body was transferred at Iten County Referral Hospital Mortuary awaiting postmortem.
Security officers in Elgeyo Marakwet have since launched investigations into the death of the Peru-based Kenyan athlete.
