Athlete Dies After Collapsing in Machakos Hospital

A local athlete on Monday morning collapsed and passed on minutes after visiting his son who had been admitted at Machakos Level Five Hospital.

Ian Mutuku, a 400M sprinter who had represented the country in several competitions, died at the hospital where he had been taken ill with suspected kidney complications.

The athlete is said to have been receiving treatment in the facility since Friday evening.

On Monday morning, he decided to visit his wife and son who had also been admitted at the same hospital.

According to his coach Peter Muia, the deceased had been fairing on well until Monday when he suddenly developed breathing problems.

“At around 8am in the morning he had difficulties in breathing and after removing his oxygen mask, he woke up to go visit his child, as if he knew his end was near,” stated Muia.

Upon returning to his ward, Mutuku's situation took a turn for the worst and he died a few minutes afterwards.

“After returning to his bed, he collapsed barely five minutes later. He started foaming and doctors tried to resuscitate him but he died shortly after,” he added.

Mr Muia expressed sorrow at the sad news since the athlete was healthy a few days ago and had even taken himself to the hospital.

“When we started informing his fellow athletes and friends they thought it was a joke. I came to visit him on Sunday and he was very healthy although his feet were swollen,” he sobbed.

The deceased was described as one of the promising sprinters and had participated in International games including winning a Silver medal in the 2014 Africa Youth Games.