Former Kenyan athlete drowns while trying to save a dog in Mexico

The Kenyan athletes' union and the whole country is mourning former athlete, Josphat Kibet Ngetich who lost his life while in Mexico.

Ngetich who in previous years represented Kenya in international competitions is reported to have accidentally drowned in a pool while trying to save his employer's dog on Tuesday last week, December 12, 2024.

News of his death was brought to his family on December 14. Following this, the family of the 36-year-old former athlete who is said to have not seen him for almost two decades is now appealing for help to bring his body from Mexico home to Taabet Village, Chesoen, in Bomet County for a proper burial.

Speaking to the Nation, Ms Pauline Nowa, the mother of the late athlete revealed that they needed about KSh 3 million to bring the body home, but they do not have that amount of money.

Ngetich's widow, Ms Janeth Ngetich said that only a few details about his death have been disclosed to them.

"So far, the information we have is that he fell into the pool while trying to save a dog that entered the pool at a high speed. He drowned and his body has been moved to the mortuary awaiting an autopsy," mourned Janeth Ngetich.

Family members revealed that the deceased left the country on October 27, 2007, when his wife was expecting their child, and that he had not returned since then.

"He once stayed abroad for about six months, where he participated in various races before returning home for at least two months and boarding the plane again.

That was the procedure until 2007, when he left and never came back," said Janeth. However, she said that the deceased was in contact with his family members by phone and often made video calls with them, being sure that he would return soon.

The late Josphat retired about 14 years ago after sustaining a leg injury in 2006. The injury did not heal enough to allow him to resume competition.