Kenyan Athlete Josphat Kibet Dies In Pool In Mexico While Trying To Save Employer's Dog

• Josphat Kibet Ngetich, a retired Kenyan athlete, drowned in a dam in Mexico while attempting to rescue his employer’s dog
• Ngetich had retired from athletics about 15 years ago due to a leg injury and had been living in Mexico
• Despite leaving Kenya in 2007 and never returning, Ngetich kept in touch with his family and promised to return one day
• The family, is in need of KSh 3 million to repatriate his remains and has appealed to Bomet County leaders, National leaders, and well-wishers for assistance

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Mexico - A Kenyan athlete has drowned in a dam in Mexico while attempting to rescue his employer's dog.

Josphat Kibet Ngetich reportedly died on Tuesday, December 12, while trying to rescue a dog that had accidentally fallen into a dam.

"So far, the only information we have is that he fell into a dam while trying to rescue a dog that went headlong into the pool of water. He drowned and his body has since been moved to a morgue awaiting post-mortem," his wife said.

A report by Nation revealed that his family was informed of his demise on Thursday, December 14, with many questioning why he put his life on the line for the dog.

Ngetich retired from athletics nearly 15 years ago due to a nagging leg injury he sustained in 2006.

The 36-year-old retired athlete was based in the US until he switched to Mexico, where he's been living.

According to World Athletics records, Ngetich participated in races in North America, especially Mexico.

They said he used to travel in and out of the country regularly until October 27, 2007, when he left while his wife was pregnant and never returned.

However, Ngetich used to keep in touch with his family and had promised to one day return to his roots.

How will Ngetich be laid to rest

Ngetich's mother, Pauline Nowa, said the athlete was the only one the family banked on to change their fortunes.

Nowa disclosed that they needed KSh 3 million to repatriate his remains, but she doesn't have that kind of amount, adding that she sold most of her land to allow him to participate in the international races.

The family appealed to Bomet County leaders, National leaders and all the well-wishers to assist in the smooth return of his body of his body from Mexico.

Through the Equity Bank pay bill 247247 under account number 0729543914, they hope to raise enough cash to bring his remains back home.

Kenyan marathon champion Franklin Chepkwony collapses, dies

Earlier, famed long-distance athlete Franklin Chepkwony alias Tele died on Monday, August 7, after collapsing.

Sources indicate that he was on his way home from his morning training routine in Moringwo, Eldama Ravine.

Efforts to resuscitate him proved futile as he died while being rushed to the Eldama Ravine Sub-County Hospital.