Former UAA All-America runner Henry Cheseto dies in Kansas car crash

Henry Cheseto, a two-time All-American and two-time West Region cross-country champion at UAA, was killed Wednesday morning in a car crash outside Wichita, Kansas.

Cheseto, 25, was killed when the car he was driving crossed the center line and hit a Waste Management truck, according to news reports. A report from police in Andover, Kansas, said Cheseto was partially ejected from his car and died at the scene. The driver of the truck was not injured, according to reports.

“What a tragic loss for the many friends and family who knew Henry,” said UAA coach Michael Friess, who coached Cheseto in cross country and track. “He will certainly be remembered by our UAA cross country and track & field family.”

Cheseto grew up in Kenya and followed his brother, Marko Cheseto, to UAA to run for the Seawolves. He spent three years at UAA before transferring to Butler Community College in Kansas.

According to KAKE TV in Wichita, friends held a vigil Thursday near the crash site, where they shared memories of Cheseto.

“Energetic about trying to put that energy into athletics. He was humble. He would hug you for nothing. He loved friends. He got a lot of friends,” Simion Melly told KAKE.

The television station said fundraisers are being planned to help send Cheseto’s body home to Kenya.