Tributes and condolences are pouring in from across the world  after 24-year-old Kiptum died alongside his Rwandan coach in a grisly car along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine road.

Kiptum and his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana died Sunday night after being involved in a tragic road accident in Kaptagat, Elgeyo Marakwet County whose impact could be seen in the heavily damaged vehicle they were travelling in.

The World Marathon record holder is said to have been the one driving the vehicle heading to Eldoret when the accident occurred.

“The accident happened around 11 pm. The car had three occupants, two died on the spot while one was taken to hospital,” Elgeyo Marakwet County Commandant Peter Mulinge said.

The athlete died at the age of 24 when his athletics career was on an upward trajectory, having recently smashed the men’s marathon world record with an astonishing run of 2:00:35 in the Chicago Marathon in October. He became the first man to complete the 42km race in under two hours and one minute.

Following the news of his demise, the athletics fraternity, sporting community and leaders alike took to social media to mourn the departed hero.

Here are some of the condolences from athletes both locally and internationally.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.

On behalf of all World Athletics we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates and the Kenyan nation.

It was only earlier this week in Chicago, the place where Kelvin set his extraordinary marathon World Record, that was able to officially ratify his historic time.