The body of the late Joan Jepng’etich arrived home today following her death in the United States of America (USA).
Coming from Nandi County, Jepng’etich died on a road accident, arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) was received by her family and friends as well as Athletics Kenya (AK) officials.
Speaking at the same time, Kipkurui Chepkwony, a family friend, said Jepngetich’s death is a huge loss to her whole community, back home Chebarbar location in Kapsabet.
Jepng’etich, 22, died on the spot when the Mercedes Benz she was travelling in along with two of her friends veered off the highway near Barstow, Galesburg.
The other occupants of the vehicle, a man and woman both aged 22, also died while receiving treatment.
Jepngetich was studying nursing at Carl Sandburg College where she had enrolled in August 2024 after transferring from Iowa Central Community College.
She represented her college at National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) events, where she shone at a number of competitions.
Jepngetich boasted personal bests of 2:39.49 (800m), 5:16.60 (1500m), and 19:29.46 (5000m).
Her last race was the NJCAA Division II Cross Country Championships on November 11, where she finished 64th in the women’s race, clocking 20:32.2.
A month earlier, she had propelled the Sandburg women’s cross country team to victory at the Arrowhead Conference Cross Country Championships in Kishwaukee, finishing second in 22:03.3.
Her body was taken to Montezuma Funeral Home from where she will be taken to her rural area over the weekend, ahead of burial on Tuesday next week.