In a shocking and tragic incident, Olympic athlete Benjamin Kiplagat has lost his life. The 34-year-old, who represented Uganda in the 3,000m steeplechase, was discovered lifeless in a car on the outskirts of Eldoret in the Rift Valley region of Kenya.
The devastating discovery revealed a knife wound to Kiplagat’s neck, raising concerns and questions surrounding the circumstances of his untimely death. The Kenyan-born runner had a notable international career, participating in multiple Olympic Games and World Championships, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.
The incident marks a somber moment in the world of athletics, as the community mourns the loss of a skilled and respected competitor.
‘An investigation has been launched and officers are on the ground pursuing leads,’ local police commander Stephen Okal told reporters in Eldoret.
He said Kiplagat’s body had a deep knife wound to his neck, suggesting he was stabbed.
Media reports said he had been training in the Eldoret area before going to Uganda to take part in athletics competitions.
Kiplagat, whose running career spanned about 18 years, won the silver medal in the 3,000m steeplechase at the 2008 World Junior Championships and bronze at the Africa Championships in 2012.
His death follows the killing in October 2021 of Kenyan distance running star Agnes Tirop who was found stabbed to death at the age of 25 in her home in Iten, a training hub near Eldoret.
Her husband Ibrahim Rotich went on trial for her murder last month. The 43-year-old has denied the charge against him and was freed on bail just before the trial opened.
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