Eldoret, Kenya – Olympic athlete Benjamin Kiplagat was tragically found dead in his car with a fatal knife wound in his neck. The 34-year-old Kenyan-born runner had been representing Uganda in the 3,000m steeplechase at various international events, including the Olympics and World Championships. He was discovered on the outskirts of Eldoret, a town in the Rift Valley known for its high-altitude training facilities for athletes.
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, with the police indicating that Kiplagat’s body bore a deep knife wound to the neck, suggesting foul play. Reports indicate that the athlete had been training in the area before heading to Uganda for athletic competitions.
This tragic event follows the killing of Kenyan distance running star Agnes Tirop in October 2021. Tirop, a double world 10,000m bronze medalist and 2015 world cross country champion, was found stabbed to death in her home in Iten, a training hub near Eldoret. Her husband Ibrahim Rotich is currently on trial for her murder, having denied the charge against him.
Kiplagat’s untimely death marks another loss for the athletic community, with both incidents raising concerns about the safety and security of athletes in the region. Despite the tragic circumstances, the legacy of these athletes continues to live on through their remarkable achievements in the world of athletics.
In summary, Olympic athlete Benjamin Kiplagat was tragically found dead with a knife wound in his neck in Eldoret, Kenya. The athlete, who had been representing Uganda internationally, was discovered in his car on the outskirts of the town known for its high-altitude training facilities. His death comes in the wake of the killing of Kenyan distance running star Agnes Tirop, raising concerns about the safety of athletes in the region.