The Family of late Gervais Hakizimana, Kelvin Kiptum’s coach outrightly rejected the autopsy results issued to them by pathologist Dr. Benson Macharia at the Eldoret Hospital on Friday.
Hakizimana died in a road crash on Sunday, February 11 alongside Kiptum who, until his untimely death, held the world marathon record. The car, driven by Kiptum, rammed into a tree.
The autopsy report, which confirmed that the Rwandese marathon coach died from a head injury, was challenged by his family despite corroborating police report on the accident.
“He died of intracranial bleeding due to a head injury, which is consistent with head injuries. The neck and head had fractures, which align with the accident report,” Dr. Macharia stated.
Hakizimana’s family said the nature and degree of the injuries were not consistent with the initial appearance of their kin moments after the tragic incident.
Reacting to the report, the deceased’s niece, Sandrine, said: “When we viewed him, he did not have fractures at all. We, therefore, reject this report.”
The grieving family has called on Kenyan authorities to probe the death of the marathon trainer.
“We want investigations commenced as we are not satisfied with the post-mortem report,” added Sandrine.
Meanwhile, police are investigating the accident, and questioning some persons linked to the deceased athletes. The investigations were launched following allegations of foul play.
Sharon Kosgei, the female passenger who survived the fatal accident, reportedly told Elgeyo Marakwet Police Commander Peter Mulinge that Kiptum had lost control of the vehicle on the Eldoret-Ravine road, which led to the crash.