Athletics Kenya (AK) has mourned the tragic passing of Kenyan athlete Joan Jepng’etich, who died in a road accident in Galesburg, Illinois, on Thursday.
In a statement, the federation expressed deep sorrow, calling the loss of the 24-year-old athlete a “huge loss for the country” and a “life gone too soon.”
“We are deeply saddened by the cruel and untimely death of a young talent who was making Kenya proud at National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) events,” AK said.
Jepng’etich was a passenger in a Mercedes-Benz that veered off the highway near Barstow, crashed into a tree, and caught fire.
The 22-year-old female driver and a 22-year-old male passenger were hospitalized with injuries.
The Kapsabet-born runner left Kenya in August 2023 on a scholarship to Iowa Central Community College, later transferring to Carl Sandburg College in Illinois, where she was until her tragic death.
Jepng’etich represented her college at several NCAA events, with her most recent appearance being at the NJCAA Division II Cross Country Championships on November 11, 2024.
Her college finished 22nd in the 41-team competition.
Athletics Kenya praised Jepng’etich for her achievements, noting her role in showcasing Kenya’s dominance in long-distance running.
“At Carl Sandburg College, her impact was seismic, further proving that Kenya is the cradle of long-distance running,” the federation stated. “She was the epitome of athletics being Kenya’s number one export and brand to the world.”
Arrangements are underway to repatriate her body to Kenya for burial, following a funeral service at Bethel Baptist Church in Galesburg.
