Diaspora Mourns Evans Kangogo and Eliud Kipsang Following Deaths in Washington State

The Kenyan community in the United States is in mourning following the recent deaths of two young men, Evans Kibiwott Kangogo in Seattle and Eliud Kipsang in Washington State.

Evans Kibiwott Kangogo, a Kenyan national residing in Seattle, was found dead in his Northgate apartment on 27 June 2025, after colleagues raised concerns when he failed to report to work for three consecutive days. The King County Coroner confirmed that Kangogo died on 24 June, three days prior to the discovery of his body. 

Kangogo, who hailed from Kipkalwa Village in Elgeyo Marakwet County, graduated from St. Patrick's School Iten and the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in 2016. He relocated to the United States seeking professional opportunities and was known for his dedication and quiet resolve. 

The cause of death remains undisclosed pending further investigation.

Gotabgaa International, an organisation that supports Kenyans in the diaspora, verified Kangogo's death and initiated a fundraising campaign to facilitate the repatriation of his remains to Kenya. "We are appealing to friends and well-wishers for financial support to help repatriate his body back home for a final resting place," the organisation said.

The tragedy follows the death of Eliud Kipsang, a celebrated middle-distance runner and former NCAA standout, who died following a cardiac arrest. Kipsang, aged 28, was admitted to Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Washington, on 6 June after collapsing. Despite intensive care, he died on 10 June. Kipsang, born in Kapsang, Uasin Gishu County, rose to prominence through his athletic achievements at the University of Alabama. 

He set the NCAA 1500m record in 2022 with a time of 3:33.74, cementing his status as a promising Kenyan athlete. Villanova's Liam Murphy surpassed his record earlier this year. Beyond his athletic achievements, Kipsang is remembered for his humility and leadership, serving as a mentor to younger athletes and a source of pride for the Kenyan community in the US.