Eliud Kipsang, a Kenyan athlete based in the USA, has tragically died following a cardiac arrest, less than two years after graduating from the University of Alabama.

According to a GoFundMe page, Kipsang, 28, suffered a cardiac arrest on Friday, June 6, and was rushed to the Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Washington.

The athlete was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), but doctors and nurses couldn't save his life. He died on Tuesday, June 10. Alabama coach Dan Waters is devastated by Kipsang's death.

"We are heartbroken by the passing of Eliud Kipsang, one of the most gifted athletes ever to wear crimson and white. 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."

Kipsang recently graduated from the University of Alabama, signed a deal with Adidas and turned professional.

According to Citius Mag, the Kenyan competed in just one race after becoming a pro. His last race was the 2024 Yakima Mile in Washington.

Kipsang broke the NCAA 1500m record (3:33.74) in 2022, but it was recently shattered by Liam Murphy. The Kenyan is now fifth on the 1500m all-time list.

He also rubbed shoulders with future Olympic medallists Yared Nuguse and Cole Hocker. Kipsang finished behind Hocker in the 2021 NCAA Indoor mile and then finished behind Hocker, Nuguse and Waleed Suliman in the 2021 NCAA outdoor 1500m.

Hocker stunned Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Josh Kerr to win the men's 1500m gold medal at the 2022 Paris Olympics. Nuguse took a bronze medal. Kipsang would be competing with the two medallists, but it wasn't to be.

@TrackCoachJones:

"What a tremendous loss. He was definitely a star in the making. Cardiac arrest at the age of 28 is insane!"

@Tmoneybags007:

"I’m always shocked when elite athletes die from health related issues usually think of them having such high fitness that ain’t no way they such such can take them out. (Prays for the family though)."

@DogannurT52669:

"That’s heartbreaking. Hope the community can come together to help his family."

@tiga_style:

"Was just thinking about him the other day and where he’s been at. Incredibly tragic."

Earlier, reported that Faith Kipyegon will attempt to run a mile under four minutes on June 26.

The project, dubbed Breaking4, is sponsored by Nike and will take place at Paris’s Stade Charléty on June 26.

The Kenyan superstar holds the women's mile and 1500m world records and will be looking to make history.

Source: TUKO.co.ke