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Topics: Athletics
Nasir Jabbar
Topics: Athletics
One of the first responders at the crash site of Kelvin Kiptum's tragic death has revealed the harrowing details of the incident.
Keptum sadly passed away in a road accident in Kenya alongside his coach Gervais Hakizimana.
The men's marathon world record holder died aged 24 after being involved in a car accident in his home country on Sunday.
Passenger Sharon Chepkemoi survived the accident as she was taken to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
The details of the crash have now been revealed as Kenneth Kimaiyo was one of the first responders to the crash site.
According to Nation, Kiptum's body was found under the car with the legendary runner already dead - and Hakizimana still alive on a hill.
Kimaiyo said he saw a man on a motorbike helping Chepkemoi, who was screaming for help before being transferred to a local hospital.
"We tried to save the coach because he was still breathing, but he died immediately," he said.
"Kiptum was laying under the car with his seat belt ripped and he was already dead."
The newspaper states that Kiptum lost control of his car at Kaptagat area along the Eldama Ravine-Eldoret on his way back from Eldoret in Uasin Gishu County.
Jackson Tuwei, president of Athletics Kenya, said the vehicle veered off the road and into a ditch before hitting a tree.
The bodies were taken to the hospital for an autopsy, which will begin after the families had been briefed and 'all agreements are done', per Tuwei.
Kiptum's death has shocked the athletics world, with World Athletics president Seb Coe leading the tributes.
"We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana," he wrote on social media.
"On behalf of all World Athletics we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates and the Kenyan nation.
"It was only earlier this week in Chicago, the place where Kelvin set his extraordinary marathon world record, that I was able to officially ratify his historic time.
"An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly."