Kenya Olympic gold medalist Sammy Wanjiru dies in fall

[News_Editor]

Kenya Olympic gold medalist Sammy Wanjiru dies in fall

2011-05-17 06:17:02 GMT+7 (ICT)

NYAHURURU, KENYA (BNO NEWS) -- Kenya Olympic gold medalist Sammy Wanjiru on Monday died after he apparently jumped from a balcony, the Daily Nation newspaper reported.

Wanjiru, 24, jumped to his death at about 00:30 a.m. local time under unclear circumstances. He was at his residence in Nyahururu and died after sustaining severe injuries after crashing into the concrete floor.

Paramedics were rushed to the spot but the 24-year-old marathon runner was pronounced dead on arrival, as informed by Nyahururu Police chief Jaspher Ombatii. Two women were taken to the police station for questioning.

According to preliminary information, Wanjiru committed suicide after his wife, Triza Njeri, returned home unexpectedly and found him in bed with another woman. Njeri and the other woman were questioned but not arrested.

Ombatii added that the athlete and his wife engaged in an argument which led to Njeri locking the bedroom's door. Wanjiru wanted to reach out his wife and apparently jumped off the balcony.

Police are not only considering suicide as the death cause. His coach, Dr. Federico Rosa told law agents that one day before he was in good spirits and looking forward to upcoming competitions.

However, some relatives said that the Olympic gold medalist had a troubled marriage and that had led him in the past to threatening with committing suicide. His wife recently dropped charges against Wanjiru in regards to illegal possession of a firearm.

Wanjiru rose to fame in the 2008 Beijing Olympics where he won the gold medal in full marathon. He also won four top marathons: the London, New York and Chicago races. He retained his Chicago title in 2010.

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