Veteran Marathoner Fauja Singh Killed in Road Accident, Canada-Based Driver Arrested

Last Updated Jul - 16 - 2025, 06:04 PM | Source : Fela News

Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathoner, dies at 114 after being hit by an SUV in Punjab. Canada-based driver Amritpal Singh Dhillon arrested; tributes pour

Veteran Marathoner Fauja Singh Killed in Road Accident

The driver responsible for the tragic death of Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathon runner, has been arrested, sources confirmed on Wednesday (July 16, 2025).

Amritpal Singh Dhillon, 26, a native of Dasupur in Kartarpur (Jalandhar district), was taken into custody on Tuesday night (July 15) and his vehicle impounded. Authorities say Dhillon was en route from Bhogpur to Kishahgarh on Monday when he allegedly struck the 114-year-old athlete on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway, near Singh's home village of Bias. Singh, who was walking along the highway, suffered critical injuries and passed away later that evening. Eyewitnesses claimed the impact threw him 5 to 7 feet into the air.

Dhillon, whose family is reportedly settled abroad, had returned to India recently. Police are continuing their interrogation and expect more details to emerge.

A case has been registered under sections 281 (rash driving or riding on a public way) and 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The death of the legendary runner sparked condolences from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Singh as an inspirational figure whose passion for fitness impacted generations of Indian youth. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann praised Singh’s contributions to the global image of the Sikh community, while Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini also expressed deep sorrow at the news.

On Tuesday, the Punjab Assembly paid homage to Singh, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ravjot Singh presenting a formal resolution in his honour during the concluding session of a special sitting.

Fauja Singh’s remarkable journey began at the age of 89 when he took up marathon running, eventually becoming the first centenarian to complete a marathon. Nicknamed the "Turbaned Tornado," Singh captured international attention with his endurance and humility, participating in major races in London, New York, and Hong Kong, among others.

Born in 1911 to a farming family, Singh overcame a frail childhood to set numerous records. One of his most iconic moments came in 2011 at age 100, when he broke multiple world records during an invitational event in Toronto held in his honour.

After a long running career largely based in the UK, Singh returned to Punjab around three years ago following his retirement. Last year, he participated in a walkathon with Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to raise awareness about drug abuse, continuing his legacy of social impact until the very end.