A family in Nandi County has been plunged into deep sorrow after the tragic loss of their son in Finland.
The death of Eugine Kipkoech comes barely a year after their daughter Sheila Jeptum died in a road accident in Australia.
Kipkoech, who had been residing in Karkila, Finland, was reported missing on Friday, March 7 and his lifeless body was discovered in a nearby lake on Saturday night, leaving his family and friends devastated. The Kenyan Diaspora Media reported.
The deceased was the brother of Jeptum, a young Kenyan woman who lost her life in a horrific road accident in Australia last year.
Jeptum, aged 21, was killed when the Hyundai Elantra she was travelling in veered into the opposite lane and collided head-on with another vehicle, claiming the lives of both drivers on the spot.
Her death sent shockwaves through the Kenyan community both at home and abroad, with a candlelight vigil held in her honour.
Now, as the family struggles to heal from Sheila’s untimely demise, they are faced with yet another heartbreaking loss.
“The family lost their daughter last year during the same month. They were still grappling with that pain, and now they have to deal with this unimaginable tragedy,” read a post by Lemiso Media House.
Kenyans online poured out their condolences, with many expressing empathy for the family’s unbearable pain.
“I can’t begin to imagine the depth of their sorrow. Losing one child is devastating, but to endure such tragedy twice, in foreign lands, is beyond comprehension,” wrote Lucy Chemutai.
Another mourner, Chebet Birech, offered her sympathies: “I can’t imagine what Mama Shillah is going through now. My deepest condolences to the family. Rest in peace, Eugine.”
Caroline Chepchumba, who shared a similar experience, added, “So sad. This happened to me back in 2023, I lost three of my close kin in one year.”
Finnish authorities have launched investigations into Eugine’s death to establish the cause, as the grieving family tries to come to terms with yet another devastating loss.