Joan Jepngetich: The family of a Kenyan athlete who died in the United States is asking for help to bring the body

• The family of Joan Jepngetich from Nandi County mourns the death of an athlete who died in a car accident in the United States
• The family has made an earnest appeal for prayers and financial support to bring his body home and cover funeral expenses
• Joan, aged 24, was a promising athlete pursuing her dreams abroad before her tragic death

Nandi County – Sorrow has engulfed a family in Irimis village, Emgwen constituency, as they mourn the death of their daughter, Joan Jepngetich.

Jepngetich, a 24-year-old student athlete at Carl Sandburg College, died from head injuries sustained in a car accident on Interstate 80 in Illinois, United States.

Jepngetich's family is asking for financial help

According to Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson, Jepngetich was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple blunt force injuries.

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The deceased woman was the daughter of Pius Melly, an administrative secretary at AIC Kapsabet DCC, and was pursuing her education and athletic dreams abroad.

As the bereaved family comes to terms with the tragedy, the planning board has issued a public appeal for prayers and financial support.

The money is aimed at facilitating the return of his body from the United States and paying for the funeral expenses.

They expressed gratitude for the outpouring of condolences and support as they prepared to give their beloved daughter a well-deserved send-off.

Jepngetich was a promising athlete

Jepngetich, originally from Kapsabet, Kenya, had a bright future in athletics.

She joined Carl Sandburg College's women's track and field programs in July 2023 and quickly made her mark as a talented athlete.

A graduate of Goibei Girls High School in Kenya, she excelled in middle and long distance events, including the 1500m in a personal best of 4:41 and the 3000m in 9:57.

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Jepngetich is named Cross Country Runner of the Week

In his first season, Jepngetich competed in several high-profile events.

On October 4, 2023, he earned runner-up honors in the Open 5k CC at the Chile Chili Festival hosted by the University of Arkansas, finishing with a personal best time of 18:49.2.

Just a month earlier, he impressed at the Augustana Twilight, where he placed 83rd out of 350 runners in all divisions, clocking 19:35.6 to finish as the NJCAA runner-up.

His exceptional performance earned him the title of Cross Country Racer of the Week.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke