Today, David Lelei died in a car accident on the Nairobi-Nukuru highway. He died on the spot. Lelei had PRs of 1:43.97 and 3:31.53. He won a silver medal in the 1500 metres at the 1999 All-Africa Games.
With Lelei in the car was former half marathon world record holder Moses Tanui, who was seriously injured and brought to a hospital.
http://www.nation.co.ke/sports/athletics/-/1100/864104/-/rcwg0ez/-/
Footage of the car wreck on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deksJNcMoAk&feature=youtube_gdata
How sad. I've been on that highway before, and believe me, it is nothing like a US highway. One lane in each direction, with government roadblocks scattered amongst it, and plenty of potholes to give out butt-massages. People will pass you if they want to.
My condolences to the family.
Driving in Kenya is like tip-toeing on land mines.Road accidents kill so many people in Kenya every year.The governement just doesnt care.It is unfortunate that those two were involved.I have met Moses Tanui.
I remember watching him run his 1:43.97 live in Melb. Very smooth mover and a true gentleman. RIP David
it is very sad that the world tday has lost one of the most fastest runner in a mid disatnce Lelei .goverment should step in to ensure that our infrastructure are safe to reduce accidents. R.I.P LELEI.
it is very sad that the world tday has lost one of the most fastest runner in a mid disatnce Lelei .goverment should step in to ensure that our infrastructure are safe to reduce accidents. R.I.P LELEI.
Man, this is really sheety news. I knew David quite well from running in Europe.
I remember pacemaking with him in the Athens SGP in 2004 for the 1500 (I ran the first 900 and he ran through to 1200), and afterwards he comes up to me and says "hey man, I like you, you not like the other Kenyans - you tall", hahaha.
He was a genuinely nice guy that was very intelligent, very friendly and articulate. One of the nicest (and most talented) guys I met in eight years in Europe.
Just my little tribute to a great dude.