World marathon record-holder Kelvin Kiptum, whose record-breaking two hour and 35 second marathon performance in Chicago in October was recently ratified, has died, per reports. 

The Kenyan athlete, 24, was involved in a traffic accident along with his coach, Garvais Hakizaman, per Nation.Africa.

AthleticNews, another African news source, reported that Eldoret (Kenya) traffic commander Dennis Muga confirmed the death, while ESPN wrote that Kiptum died late Sunday in Kenya, per Milcah Chemos, who was identified as the runner who was at the hospital where Kiptum was taken. 

Sky News confirmed the news with Kenya's former prime minister, Raila Odinga. "Our nation grieves the profound loss of a true hero," he said. 

World Athletics' president Seb Coe also commented on Twitter, saying he was "deeply saddened" by the news.

Kiptum won two marathons in 2023, with his first performance coming in London when he clocked a time of 2:01.25. He followed in October with his world record-breaking Chicago performance. 

Kiptum's effort in Chicago took 34 seconds off Eliud Kipchoge's previous ratified world marathon record of of 2:01.09, which he set in Berlin in 2022.

Kiptum was aiming to break the two hour barrier on the road at Rotterdam in April. 

Devastating news as we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual, Kelvin Kiptum, World Record holder and Kenyan athletics icon. Together with his coach, they tragically passed on in an accident tonight. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/1Dmgyyhsk4

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) February 11, 2024