Current marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his mentor Gervais Hakizimana died from injuries sustained in a car accident in Kenya late Sunday, CNN reported.

Kenyan authorities reported that 24-year-old Kiptum, who recently made history with his record-breaking performance, was behind the wheel at the time of the incident. This accident killed him and Hakijimana instantly. according to On CNN.

A third passenger was also seriously injured in the accident, Elgeyo Marakwet District Police Chief Peter Mlinge said, CNN reported. The vehicle, identified as a Toyota Premio, lost control, veered off the road and into a ditch about 60 meters from the road before colliding with a tree.

Men's marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum has died at the age of 24.

Our thoughts are with his friends and family ❤️ pic.twitter.com/olSA60v0Xm

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 11, 2024

Kiptum recently broke the Chicago Marathon record with a time of 2:00:35, significantly surpassing his previous best time. The paper said his achievements were officially recognized by World Athletics just days before the accident. He was seen as a potential successor to Eliud Kipchoge, often hailed as the greatest marathon runner in history. (Related: Man ejected from vehicle as Lamborghini driver loses control at 'very high speed' in multi-vehicle crash in Miami)

“In a statement, the London Marathon said it was shocked and deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of the death of marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana. Posted On Twitter. “The thoughts of everyone who took part in the TCS London Marathon are with the families and friends of Kelvin and Gervais.”