Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor on Wednesday revealed that world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum passed away due to severe head injuries.
Addressing the media in Eldoret after conducting an autopsy on the athlete, Oduor said there were severe fractures on Kiptum’s head.
He noted that the spinal cord had intruded into the cranial cavity and both the left and right ribs suffered injuries.
“Kelvin was a 24-year-old gentleman who it was alleged was involved in a fatal motor vehicle accident. Upon doing the postmortem, we found out that the late Kelvin had severe head injuries. There were severe skull fractures which were mainly at the base of the skull. The spinal cord had intruded into the cranial cavity because of the fractures,” said Oduor.
The government chief pathologist also noted that the athlete suffered contrition in his lungs during the accident.
“What killed the late Kevin was severe head injuries which when I look at them they look like something caused by a motor vehicle accident,” Oduor added.
The government pathologist further said he has taken samples for further analysis to determine whether there was anything that could have contributed to Kiptum being involved in a motor accident.
“Being that this was a person who was driving, then suddenly he was involved in an accident and passed on. Our question is, what could have contributed to this?” he posed.
Kiptum died on February 11 together with his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana after being involved in a grisly road accident in the Kaptagat area along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine Road. One passenger however survived the accident with some minor injuries.
The marathoner will be buried on Friday February 21 in Uasin Gishu County in a state function that will be attended by senior government officials including President William Ruto.
Also Read: World Record Marathon Holder Kelvin Kiptim Killed In Nasty Road Accident
