Athletics Kenya (AK) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Kenyan athlete Joan Jepng’etich, who passed away in a road accident in Galesburg, Illinois, on Thursday.
In an official statement, the federation described the loss of the 24-year-old runner as “a huge loss for the country” and “a life gone too soon.”
“We are deeply saddened by the untimely and tragic passing of such a young talent, who was making Kenya proud at the National Collegiate Athletic 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. A 22-year-old female driver and a 22-year-old male passenger sustained injuries and were hospitalized.
The Kapsabet-born athlete left Kenya in August 2023 on a scholarship to Iowa Central Community College, before transferring to Carl Sandburg College in Illinois, where she was based at the time of her death.
She had represented her college in several NCAA events, with her most recent participation being in the NJCAA Division II Cross Country Championships on November 11, 2024, where her team placed 22nd out of 41 teams.
Athletics Kenya praised Jepng’etich for her accomplishments, emphasizing her role in showcasing Kenya’s long-standing dominance in distance running.
“Her impact at Carl Sandburg College was immense, reinforcing that Kenya is the cradle of long-distance running,” the federation said. “She embodied the essence of athletics as Kenya’s premier global export and brand.”
Arrangements are being made to repatriate her body to Kenya for burial, after a funeral service at Bethel Baptist Church in Galesburg.
