Former World 800m Under-20 Champion and 2017 Bronze Medalist Kipyegon Bett has died at the Tenwek Hospital in Bomet after a long illness.
His family says he died due to what doctors termed liver and kidney failure after a lengthy illness. His sister Purity Kirui, who is also an athlete, said the deceased had been depressed since 2018 after being banned due to doping.
Bett was banned for four years by the Athletics Integrity Unity (AIU).
“He suffered deep depression and has been engaging in alcoholism due to frustrations,” said Kirui, who is a 3,000-meter steeplechase runner.
Kirui said a week ago he vomited blood and was taken to Litein Hospital, where he was treated and discharged. He was to return to the hospital last Saturday for further medication.
His condition deteriorated last Friday when he vomited a lot of blood and was referred to Tenwek Hospital.
“Despite efforts by medics to save his life, he passed away at about noon on Sunday,” Kirui, who spoke on the phone from their home at Kiptere village in Kericho, said.
He said the family was devastated by his death at the young age of 26 years.
Kirui said the family would announce burial arrangements in due course.
