Eluid Kipsang’s father, John Kosgei, is a former Kenyan athlete who specializes in middle- and long-distance running.
Eluid Kipsang Kosgei, a runner at the University of Alabama who won the 2021 SEC Runner of the Year award, died on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 28.
As per the GoFundMe organized for Eluid, he suffered a cardiac arrest on June 6, 2025.
He was rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Washington, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).
Alabama Track & Field and Cross Country took to their official Facebook handle to announce the tragic news and mourn the loss. They wrote,
We go into the 2025 NCAA Track & Field Championships with heavy hearts as we mourn the passing of former University of Alabama Athletics great, Eliud Kipsang.
Alabama Track & Field and Cross Country
The University of Alabama’s coach, Dan Waters, mourned the tragic loss of Eluid by stating,
“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.”
Dan Waters
Executive Director at MedCol, Kipchirchir Collins, took to his official Facebook handle and offered his heartfelt condolences. He wrote,
My heart is shattered into a million pieces to share the news of Eliud Kipsang’s passing. This upcoming athlete from Kapsang, Uasin Gishu, Kenya, had a whole future ahead of him. He was promising and really good at what he did. It was just a matter of time before he’d send shockwaves globally. For those who knew him closely can attest to his aura of confidence and determination – a hurricane in its perfect power. I’m still trying to process this loss, and I don’t know how to eulogize my friend. This is really shocking and heartbreaking. May his legacy live on and continue to inspire others. His passion for the sport was undeniable and will forever be remembered.
Kipchirchir Collins
Kalyet High School graduate Abuu Maru also offered his heartfelt condolences through his social media. He wrote,
Am very saddened to learn about the death of my great friend, sports king and a neighbour from kapsang,Eliud kipsang that occurred in Alabama USA,my condolences to the family,bakulei’s and the whole village of kapsang at large may his soul rest in eternal peace RIP CHAMPION.
Abuu Maru
Eluid will always be remembered for his unforgettable contributions as a runner at the University of Alabama.
Rest in Peace, Eluid Kipsang.
Eluid Kipsang Kosgei’s Parents Are Mourning The Tragic Loss Of Their Son
Born on September 9, 1996, in Kapsang, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, Eluid Kipsang Kosgei was raised by his father, John Kosgei, and his mother, Veronica Kembui.
Although Eluid lived in the United States, he was of African ethnicity.
He moved to the United States to study public health at the University of Alabama.
Eluid’s father, John Kosgei, 52, born on July 15, 1973, is a retired Kenyan middle- and long-distance runner known for winning the gold medal in the 3000 meters steeplechase at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
He emerged as one of Kenya’s top steeplechase athletes in the 1990s, achieving a personal best of 8:03.89 in 1997, one of the fastest times in the world at the time.
In addition to his track accomplishments, Kosgei helped secure victory for Kenya at the 1998 IAAF World Road Relay Championships.
Eluid followed in his father’s footsteps and chose to build his career as a runner.
On the other hand, Eluid’s mother has stayed away from the media spotlight, so little information about their personal life is known.
Currently, John and Veronica are mourning the tragic death of their son, Eluid Kipsang.
Closed ones and relatives have poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Eluid’s parents to stay strong in this heartbreaking moment.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- In 2021, Eluid Kipsang was the NCAA DI Indoor Mile Runner-Up and the Outdoor 1500m East Region Champion and secured a fourth-place finish at the 2021 NCAA Outdoor Championship. In 2022, he set the NCAA 1550m Record with his 3:33.74 at the Bryan Clay Invitational.
- He made his Crimson Tide debut at the SEC Championships, finishing 28th in the five-mile run with a time of 24:49.90, which was quite impressive for a beginner. After the debut, he enjoyed a stellar NCAA career.
- He led the Tide’s distance medley relay to a bronze-medal showing at the conference meet.
