Kenyan Student-Athlete Dies After Car Burst Into Flames in Tragic Christmas Night Crash in Illinois, US
Joan Jepngetich, a 24-year-old Kenyan student-athlete, lost her life in a single-car accident on Christmas night, December 25, in Rock Island County, Illinois.
The crash happened at around 10:33 p.m. local time (6:00 a.m. Kenyan time) when the Mercedes Benz she was riding in veered off Interstate 80 and struck a tree. Shortly after the impact, the vehicle caught fire.
Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson confirmed that Joan died on the spot before the fire broke out.
The accident also left two others— the driver and another passenger—seriously injured. They were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Authorities, including Illinois State Police Troop Two, the Accident Reconstruction Unit, and the Rock Island County Coroner’s Office, are investigating the cause of the crash.
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Joan was a rising star in athletics at Carl Sandburg College, where she was part of the national-qualifying women’s cross-country team. She had also previously trained at Iowa Central Community College, which shared a heartfelt tribute on social media.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Joan’s family, friends, and the Carl Sandburg College Cross Country/Track & Field team,” read their statement.
Carl Sandburg College also expressed its grief, stating, “We’re heartbroken and share wishes of comfort, peace, and healing to all of our Charger family, especially the families and friends of the students impacted by the accident.”
The college pledged to support Joan’s family while offering free counseling services to those affected by her untimely death.
Kenyan Student-Athlete Dies After Car Burst Into Flames in Tragic Christmas Night Crash in Illinois, US
