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Kelvin Kiptum, the World Marathon record holder who tragically lost his life in an accident, died from severe head injuries, as revealed by the latest postmortem results conducted by chief government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor on Wednesday.
Dr. Oduor explained that the examination of Kiptum's body showed severe injuries and fractures to his head, including fractures to the skull, ribs, and damage to the lungs.
"I was called in to do the postmortem due to speculation that arose after the death of the fastest marathoner on earth," said the chief pathologist, emphasizing that the injuries were consistent with the accident.
The postmortem, conducted at Eldoret Hospital morgue, involved Kiptum's father, Samson Cheruiyot, and a team of homicide officers from the DCI headquarters.
Dr. Oduor briefed Kiptum's family and the media after the more than two-hour-long procedure.
Samples were taken from the body for toxicology analysis to help determine the factors contributing to the accident.
The family expressed satisfaction with the details of the postmortem and announced their intention to proceed with Kiptum's burial on Friday.
A procession and candle-lighting exercise will be held in Eldoret in the evening, attended by hundreds of athletes and local leaders to honor Kiptum.
The procession will start at Eldoret Arboretum and conclude at Nandi Park.
Kiptum, along with his coach, lost their lives in a road accident a week ago along the Eldoret-Ravine road.
Homicide officers from the DCI headquarters are investigating the accident's cause.
Kiptum will be laid to rest at his farm near Naiberi in Uasin Gishu county on Friday. His body will be removed from the morgue and escorted through the streets of Eldoret on its way home ahead of the burial.
The burial coincides with the construction of a new house for the athlete, initiated by President William Ruto at Kiptum's farm in Naiberi, Uasin Gishu county.
Engineers and workers are working to complete the house before Thursday when the body will be removed from the Eldoret Hospital morgue.
