Kenya’s athletics community faced another tragedy when a young runner, Willy Chelewa, tragically passed away after collapsing at a hotel in Elgeyo Marakwet.
How did Willy Chelewa die
The twenty-year-old athlete, who had recently secured a Chinese sponsorship for international races, collapsed shortly after taking a cup of black tea.
Chelewa was using the hotel room as a training base while working with his fellow athletes in the region known for its numerous training camps.
After the athlete’s passing, the hotel management promptly alerted the authorities, who swiftly responded to the situation at the scene.
Area police chief, Peter Mulinge, verified that the athlete passed away after consuming black tea and rice at a hotel in Kaptagat.
Following the tragic incident, police initiated investigations and stationed themselves at the hotel to determine the circumstances surrounding the athlete’s death.
Additionally, they gathered food samples eaten by the athlete to uncover the reasons behind the loss of this talented individual.
The athletics community and the runner’s family are currently grieving, with calls for thorough investigations following the recent tragic events.
Willy Chelewa, who recently participated in the Nairobi City Marathon half-marathon, was ranked 67th after finishing the race.
This loss adds to the recent death of a Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei who faced a tragic end due to domestic issues.
These incidents highlight a concerning trend of athletes facing mysterious circumstances, prompting questions about the safety of athletes in such situations.