A promising Kenyan student-athlete tragically lost her life after a single-vehicle accident in the US on Christmas night, December 25.
Joan Jepngetich, 24, died after a vehicle she was travelling in veered off the road crashing into a tree in Rock Island County in Illinois.
The accident, which occurred at approximately 10:33 p.m American time (approximately 6:00 am Kenyan time), saw the Mercedes Benz Jepngetich was travelling in catch fire, moments after crashing into the tree.
According to Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson, Joan died on the spot before the vehicle caught fire.
An image of Joan Jepngetich, who died in the US on Christmas night 2024. PHOTO/ Courtesy.
Two other occupants of the vehicle, a driver and another passenger, survived the accident and were rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
While it remains unclear what circumstances led the vehicle to veer off Interstate 80, Illinois State Police Troop Two, Illinois State Police’s Accident Reconstruction Unit, and the Rock Island County Coroner’s office are all conducting investigations.
The late Joan was a student-athlete at Carl Sandburg College and was gaining a reputation as a promising athlete at the institution.
Hours after her death was confirmed, Iowa Central Community College Track & Field – the institution where she honed her skills on the track – took to social media to mourn her.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Joan’s family, friends and the members of the Carl Sandburg College Cross Country/Track & Field team.” their statement read.
Sandburg College also released its own statement mourning Joan, who was a key member of the institution’s national qualifying women’s cross-country team.
“We’re heartbroken and share wishes of comfort, peace, and healing to all of our Charger family, especially the families and friends of the students impacted by the accident,” said their statement.
The college vowed to keep working with the student’s family while offering free counselling services to anyone adversely affected by Joan’s death.
An accident warning sign on the road.
Photo
Napier Law