Legendary Marathoner Fauja Singh Dies at 114 in Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident

Fauja Singh at 100, becoming the oldest person to complete a marathon – a global symbol of resilience.

Beas, Punjab – July 15, 2025:
The world is mourning the loss of Fauja Singh, the revered 114-year-old marathoner known globally as the “Turbaned Tornado.” The iconic athlete tragically passed away after being struck in a hit-and-run incident on the Jalandhar-Pathankot National Highway on Monday afternoon.

Singh was crossing the highway near his home in Beas village, reportedly on his way to a family-owned dhaba, when he was hit by a white Toyota Fortuner at approximately 3:10 PM. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the injuries—especially to his head—proved fatal.

CCTV and Police Investigation: Arrest Made

Due to limited CCTV coverage at the accident site, Jalandhar Rural Police painstakingly reviewed surveillance footage from nearby areas. Their breakthrough came when vehicle parts found at the scene—including a headlight and bumper fragment—were matched to a white Fortuner (Punjab 20 C 7100).

SSP Harvinder S. Virk stated, “The vehicle had changed ownership multiple times, which delayed our progress. But we have successfully identified and arrested the accused.”

Family Grieves: “He Could’ve Been Saved”

Fauja Singh’s son, Harvinder Singh, expressed heartbreak:

“We often told him not to go alone towards the highway, but he was adamant. The regret of losing our dad in an accident will haunt us. Had he died a natural death, there would’ve been no remorse.”

He added, “The driver could have stopped, accepted his mistake, and taken him to the hospital. He might still be with us today.”

Tributes Pour In for a Global Icon

![Fauja Singh holding the Indian flag after completing London Marathon]
Fauja Singh proudly carrying the Indian flag after the London Marathon.

Fauja Singh, born April 1, 1911, lived through a century of transformation, including two World Wars, India’s partition, and multiple global pandemics. He started long-distance running at the age of 89 and became the first 100-year-old to finish a marathon.

From London to Toronto, his story inspired millions.

National Tributes:

• PM Narendra Modi shared:

  “Fauja Singh Ji was extraordinary. His life inspired youth to embrace fitness. He was a remarkable athlete with unwavering determination.”

• Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated:

  “His life serves as a profound inspiration for fitness lovers, athletes, and people of all ages. My deepest condolences go out to his family.”

Legacy That Lives On

![Fauja Singh mid-run, focused and determined during one of his last races]
Even past 100, Fauja Singh defied age and expectations—every stride a message of perseverance.

Fauja Singh didn’t just run marathons—he ran through boundaries of age, stereotypes, and human limits. From the tracks of London to the streets of Amritsar, he carried with him not just endurance, but inspiration.

He may be gone, but the Turbaned Tornado will forever sprint through the hearts of those who believed that age is just a number.