- The late Joan Jepngetich died on December 26, 2024 after being involved in a road accident.
- The late runner represented the Carl Sandburg College several times before her demise.
- Her body is expected to be transferred to Kapsabet ahead of Tuesday’s burial.
The body of the late Kenyan runner Joan Jepngetich has been airlifted from the United States of America (USA) to Nairobi.
Jepngetich’s body was received at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) last night by her family and athletics stakeholders.
The deceased died at the age of 22 in a tragic road accident on December 26, 2024 after the car she was traveling with two other individuals lost control near Barstow, Galesburg.
The two other occupants of the Mercedes Benz also died while being treated for the serious injuries they picked up during the crush.
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Jepngetich, who had enrolled at the Carl Sandburg College, hailed from Kapsabet, Nandi County.
Prior to her unexpected demise, the late runner had helped her school’s women’s team to clinch the Arrowhead Conference Cross Country Championships after registering a second-place finish in her discipline.
The former Lowa Central Community College student had lifetime bests of 19:29.46 and 2:39:49 in 5000m and 800m respectively.
Jepngetich’s body was transferred to the Montezuma Funeral Home in Nairobi ahead of Tuesday’s burial that is expected to take place in Chebarbar.
Speaking at the JKIA, Kipkurui Chepkwony, who is a close friend to the family of the late runner, stated that Jepngetich’s demise is a big loss to the entire society.
“It is a huge loss to us as a community back home in Chebarbar. She was not just an athlete, but a neighbor and a friend,” he was quoted by Athletics Kenya (AK) website.
Chepkwony also took the opportunity on behalf of the affected family to thank everyone who has supported them in one way or another.
“The college has been very supportive as well as the athletics community in Illinois. They ensured that Joan’s body was safely transported to Nairobi from JFK Airport.
The government also facilitated the clearance of the body from the airport and AK were instrumental in facilitating communication between the athletics community in Kenya and America. We are really grateful for the support,” he offered.
On her part AK chief administrative officer Susan Kamau promised the family of the budding runner that the federation will continue to support them.
“We pass our condolences to the family and express our deepest sympathy to them. We want to assure the family that AK will stand with you during this trying moment,” she stated.
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