The family of the late Gervais Hakizimana, coach of Kelvin Kiptum, vehemently rejected the autopsy results provided by pathologist Dr. Benson Macharia at Eldoret Hospital on Friday.
Hakizimana tragically died in a car accident on Sunday, February 11, along with Kiptum, who held the world marathon record at the time. The vehicle, driven by Kiptum, rammed into a tree.
Despite the autopsy report confirming that the Rwandan marathon coach succumbed to a head injury, which aligned with the police report on the accident, his family contested the findings.
Dr. Macharia stated, “He died of intracranial bleeding due to a head injury, which is consistent with head injuries. The neck and head had fractures, which align with the accident report.”
Hakizimana’s relatives argued that the injuries’ nature and severity did not match their initial observations of him moments after the tragic event.
Sandrine, the deceased’s niece, stated, “When we viewed him, he did not have fractures at all. We, therefore, reject this report.”
The grieving family urged Kenyan authorities to launch an investigation into the marathon trainer’s death.
Sandrine added, “We want investigations commenced as we are not satisfied with the post-mortem report.”
Meanwhile, the police initiated an investigation into the accident, questioning individuals associated with the deceased athletes amid suspicions of foul play.
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Sharon Kosgei, the surviving passenger of the fatal crash, reportedly informed Elgeyo Marakwet Police Commander Peter Mulinge that Kiptum lost control of the vehicle on the Eldoret-Ravine road, resulting in the collision.
