US Police Launch Investigation Into Death of Kenyan Rugby Coach Felix Oloo
The Washington State Patrol is investigating the death of former Kenyan rugby coach Felix Oloo, who died after being struck by a vehicle on Interstate 405 in Washington State early on Monday morning.
The incident happened shortly before 5am near NE 160th Street on the northbound side of I-405. According to investigators, a black vehicle had stopped on the left shoulder of the motorway.
Oloo, who was a passenger in the car, exited the vehicle and attempted to cross all five northbound lanes on foot. He was hit by another vehicle and died at the scene.
Authorities said the driver of the second vehicle was not injured and cooperated with investigators. The motorway remained closed for more than three hours while officers examined the area and collected evidence.
Investigators have not yet determined why the vehicle stopped or why Oloo attempted to cross the motorway. The Washington State Patrol said inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident are continuing.
Oloo was widely known in Kenyan rugby as both a player and coach. Nicknamed “Mwalimu”, he coached the national women’s rugby team, the Lionesses, and previously played as a flanker for Nakuru RFC during the club’s Kenya Cup title victories in 2013 and 2014.
Beyond rugby, he was recognised for mentoring younger players and contributing to the development of the sport in Kenya. At the time of his death, Oloo was working as a correctional officer at the Monroe Correctional Complex in Washington, a position he had held since May 2024.
In a statement, MCC superintendents Dan Allen and Jack Warner described him as “a well-respected rugby coach and former player from Kenya” and offered condolences to his family and colleagues. Tributes from former players, friends and members of the rugby community have been shared across social media, with many remembering his commitment to coaching and supporting young athletes.
A remembrance ceremony is planned for Friday, 8 May, at the MCC Staff Resource Centre. Oloo’s family in Everett, Washington, is also holding daily fundraising meetings to support the repatriation of his remains to Kenya and help cover funeral expenses.
The meetings are taking place at 12115 Meridian Avenue South, Apartment D235, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
