A promising Kenyan student-athlete tragically lost her life after a single-vehicle accident in the US on Christmas night, December 25.

Joan Jepngetich, 24, died after a vehicle she was travelling in veered off the road crashing into a tree in Rock Island County in Illinois.

The accident, which occurred at approximately 10:33 p.m American time (approximately 6:00 am Kenyan time), saw the Mercedes Benz Jepngetich was travelling in catch fire, moments after crashing into the tree.

According to Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson, Joan died on the spot before the vehicle caught fire.