Suspect Arrested in Hit-and-Run Death of the World’s Oldest Person
Police in India have apprehended a suspect linked to the tragic death of Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathon runner, in a hit-and-run incident. The accused, Amritpal Singh Dhillon, allegedly struck the 114-year-old British-Indian athlete with his speeding SUV while Singh was out for his daily walk in Punjab. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Singh succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival, marking a significant loss for the global running community.
Details of the Incident
The unfortunate incident occurred on a Monday afternoon near Singh’s birthplace in Beas Pind, close to Jalandhar city. According to police reports, Singh was crossing a road when he was hit by the vehicle. Local residents quickly responded by transporting him to the hospital, but he died shortly after reaching medical care. Authorities have since recovered a white SUV believed to be involved in the incident. Police indicated that the driver, 26-year-old Amritpal Singh Dhillon, was allegedly speeding at the time of the collision. Reports suggest that Singh’s life could have been saved had the driver taken immediate action to transport him to the hospital.
Fauja Singh’s Remarkable Legacy
Fauja Singh was not just a runner; he was a symbol of perseverance and inspiration. He began his running journey at the age of 89 and went on to complete nine full marathons between 2000 and 2013. In 2011, he made headlines as the first person over the age of 100 to finish a full marathon in Toronto. Singh also had the honor of carrying the Olympic torch during the 2012 London Olympics. Despite his remarkable achievements, Guinness World Records could not officially recognize him as the oldest marathon runner due to the absence of a birth certificate from 1911. His British passport listed his birth date as April 1, 1911, and he received a congratulatory letter from the Queen on his 100th birthday.
A Life of Challenges and Triumphs
Singh’s life story is one of resilience. Born in Punjab, he faced challenges from a young age, often being teased for his weak legs. He did not walk properly until he was five years old and never attended school. Instead, he worked as a farmer and lived through significant historical events, including both World Wars and the partition of India. Singh’s running career began later in life, following the tragic loss of his wife and son. After moving to London to live with his eldest son, he found solace in running after meeting a group of older men who encouraged him to join their regular runs. His journey gained international recognition when Adidas featured him in their 2004 “Impossible is Nothing” campaign alongside legends like Muhammad Ali.
Community Response and Tributes
The running community and Singh’s supporters are mourning his loss while celebrating his extraordinary life. His running club and charity, Sikhs In The City, announced plans to honor his legacy through upcoming events in Ilford, east London, where he resided since 1992. Singh’s story serves as a reminder of the power of determination and the impact one individual can have on the world. As tributes pour in, many reflect on how Singh transformed his personal grief into a source of inspiration for countless others, proving that age is no barrier to achieving greatness.
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