Another Star Young Vaccinated College Athlete Dead Of Cardiac Arrest

Source: CNN

Alabama University confirmed on Wednesday that Kipsang passed away Tuesday evening. “We are heartbroken by the passing of Eliud Kipsang, one of the most gifted athletes ever to wear crimson and white,” said Dan Waters, head coach of Alabama Athletics. “His impact on our program extended far beyond records and championships; he was a beloved teammate, a brother to so many, and a dear friend to me, personally. On behalf of the entire Alabama family, we extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones. The running community has lost a remarkable soul.”

While Alabama Athletics did not specify the cause of death, a GoFundMe page organized to assist with funeral costs indicates that Kipsang suffered a cardiac arrest on Friday. He was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Washington, where he spent several days in intensive care before passing.

A native of Kenya, Kipsang began his collegiate career with the University of Alabama in 2020. In his debut season, he claimed the SEC 1,500-meter title and later won the individual SEC cross-country championship. By 2021, he had been named SEC Runner of the Year.

In 2022, Kipsang set a collegiate record in the outdoor 1,500 meters with a time of 3:33.74—still one of the top five times in NCAA history. His legacy includes three standing Alabama records: the indoor mile, the indoor distance medley relay, and the outdoor 1,500m. He also holds six performances that remain within Alabama’s all-time top 10.

Kipsang’s athletic reach extended beyond collegiate competition. He participated in the Kenya Olympic trials in 2021 and pursued qualification for the World Championships the following year.