Police in Punjab, India, have arrested a man named Amritpal Singh Dhillon, who is accused of hitting 114-year-old Fauja Singh with a speeding SUV. Singh suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to the hospital. The tragic accident occurred near Singh's birthplace in Beas Pind, Jalandhar on a Monday afternoon while he was out for a stroll.
Fauja Singh is recognized globally for his impressive marathon records, having completed nine full marathons between the ages of 89 and 100 before retiring in 2013. Initial reports indicate that if the 26-year-old driver had promptly taken Singh to the hospital after the accident, there might have been a chance to save his life.
The police recovered the vehicle allegedly involved in the incident. Locals who witnessed the event immediately rushed Singh to the hospital, but it was too late. Singh's remarkable life included numerous accolades; he made history in 2011 as the first person over the age of 100 to finish a full marathon in Toronto and famously carried the Olympic torch during the 2012 London Olympics.
Despite numerous accomplishments, Singh's claim to the title of the oldest marathon runner was not officially recognized by Guinness World Records due to a lack of official documentation proving his birth date. However, his British passport and a congratulatory letter from Queen Elizabeth II marking his 100th birthday revealed his birth date as 1 April 1911.
Singh's journey from a young boy with weak legs, who was often ridiculed in his village, to a renowned marathon runner inspires many. Although he never attended school or played sports as a child, a series of personal tragedies propelled him into running after moving to London to live with his eldest son in the 90s.
His running career began following the death of his younger son, Kuldeep, prompting him to seek solace. He found community through a group of older men at a local gurdwara who regularly jogged, leading to the birth of his passion for running. Singh gained international fame with his association with Adidas in their 2004 "Impossible is Nothing" campaign alongside global icons.
As tributes pour in, Singh's running club, Sikhs In The City, announced plans to honor his achievements with upcoming events in Ilford, London, where he resided since 1992. Singh, who faced myriad challenges throughout his life, proved that resilience can turn the tide even late in life, inspiring countless individuals globally.
