- Joan Jepngetich, a 24-year-old Kenyan athlete living in the United States, has lost her life
- The Goibei Girls High School graduate from Kapsabet had a bright future in athletics
- He excelled in middle and long distance events abroad and was named athlete of the week in September 2023
Galesburg, Illinois – Joan Jepngetich, a 24-year-old Kenyan athlete and student at Carl Sandburg College, has lost her life in the United States.
Source: UGC
Ourquadcities.com reported that the young girl died in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 80 in Rock Island County.
According to Rock Island County Chief Coroner Brian Gustafson, Jepngetich was pronounced dead at the scene from the fatal injuries he sustained in the crash.
The crash is being investigated by Illinois State Police Troop Two, the Accident Control Unit, and the Rock Island County Coroner's Office.
Jepngetich, who is originally from Kapsabet, Kenya, had a bright future in athletics.
She joined Carl Sandburg College's women's track and field team in July 2023 and quickly emerged as a talented athlete.
A Facebook post from the Iowa Central Community College Track and Field team mourned his death, saying:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Joan's family, her friends, and the members of the Carl Sandburg College Cross Country/Track & Field team.”
Jepngetich was a graduate of Goibei Girls' High School, where she excelled in short and long distance running, including the 1500 meters (with a record of 4:41) and 3000 meters (with a record of 9 :57).
In his first season, Jepngetich participated in several high-profile tournaments.
Jepngetich was named Cross Country Runner of the Week
On October 4, 2023, he placed second in the 5k CC Open race at the Chile Pepper Festival hosted by the University of Arkansas, finishing in a personal best time of 18:49.2.
A month earlier, he had impressed at the Augustana Twilight meet, where he placed 83rd out of 350 runners from all levels, finishing in 19:35.6 to become the first NJCAA athlete to finish.
His exceptional performance earned him the Cross Country Athlete of the Week title.
The athletics community mourns the death of the talented athlete, as tributes continue to pour in for an athlete whose potential was just beginning to shine.
His legacy as a dedicated athlete and student will be remembered by those who knew him in Kenya and the United States.
Janet Wanja died of cancer.
Jepngetich's death comes two days after Kenya lost another sportsperson, volleyball legend Janet Wanja.
Wanja was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer shortly after returning from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
He rose to fame with Malkia Strikers and Kenya Pipeline, and retired in 2019 after a successful career.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
