World Championship bronze medallist Agnes Jebet Tirop is dead.
The World 10,000m bronze medalist was today found dead in her house in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County after she was allegedly stabbed by her husband.
Athletics Kenya (AK) through president Jackson Tuwei has expressed shock upon confirmation of the sad news, saying Kenya has lost a jewel in the sport.
“Athletics Kenya are this afternoon distraught to learn about the untimely death of World 10,000m bronze medalist Agnes Tirop,” read part of AK’s statement.
“Kenya has lost a jewel who was one of the fastest-rising athletics giants on the international stage, thanks to her eye-catching performances on the track.”
Just last month, Tirop broke the women-only record in the women’s 10km at Road to Records Race in Germany, timing 30:01.
Last week, she finished an impressive second, timing 30:20 at the Valencia Half Marathon.
Tirop’s decorated CV also includes a World Cross Country title in 2015 during which she made history as the second youngest medalist at that level.
She also won the Africa Cross Country Championship in 2014 in Kampala, Uganda as well as the World Junior Cross Country Championship in 2013 in Bydgoszcz, Poland.
“We pray that God may grant strength to family and friends at this difficult time,” stated AK.
Police together with forensic team from Iten police station are currently at the scene to unearth more details surrounding her demise.