Fauja Singh's death: hunt on for driver who ran over marathoner

Police is searching for the driver of the vehicle who ran over and killed the world’s oldest marathoner Fauja Singh on Monday, 14 July, while he was walking down in his native Bias village in Punjab's Jalandhar district, police said on 15 July.

Some villagers on Tuesday said that it was probably an SUV which struck the 114-year-old Fauja Singh who was tossed five to seven feet in the air, they claimed.

Residents of Bias village also mourned the marathoner's death.

Mahinder Singh, a villager, said the spot where the accident took place would be about 400 metres from Fauja Singh's home. "It's a highway... He was taken to a nearby hospital but succumbed to injuries. We were told that an unknown vehicle tossed him 5-7 feet in the air," he said.

"He was a very nice person. Everyone respected him a lot," he added.

Another local Gurpreet Singh said after the vehicle struck Fauja Singh, he was immediately rushed to hospital. "The vehicle could be an SUV. He suffered injuries to the head and other parts of body. Entire village has plunged into sadness after his demise. Our village got global recognition due to him," Gurpreet said.

On Tuesday, the Jalandhar police said that efforts are on to trace the erring driver who fled after the incident.

Fauja Singh's last rites are likely to be conducted after a couple of days, a family member said. "We have many relatives living abroad including in the UK and Canada. So, it may take some time before they reach," he said.

Leaders cutting across party lines condoled the marathoner's death, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he was extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on the topic of fitness.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said that the veteran marathon runner made the Sikh community around the world proud with his long distance running.

"Very sad to hear about the death of famous Punjabi Sikh runner Fauja Singh ji. The world's oldest runner Fauja Singh ji, who made the Sikh community proud in the world with his long distance running, will always live in our hearts and memories. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones," Mann posted on X.

ਉੱਘੇ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਸਿੱਖ ਦੌੜਾਕ ਫੌਜਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਅਕਾਲ ਚਲਾਣੇ ਦੀ ਖ਼ਬਰ ਸੁਣ ਕੇ ਬੇਹੱਦ ਦੁੱਖ ਹੋਇਆ।

ਆਪਣੀਆਂ ਲੰਬੀਆਂ ਦੌੜਾਂ ਦੀ ਬਦੌਲਤ ਪੂਰੀ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਿੱਖ ਕੌਮ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਰੌਸ਼ਨ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਵਿਸ਼ਵ ਦੇ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਡੀ ਉਮਰ ਦੇ ਦੌੜਾਕ ਫੌਜਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾ ਸਾਡੇ ਦਿਲਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਚੇਤਿਆਂ 'ਚ ਜਿਉਂਦੇ ਰਹਿਣਗੇ। ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਤੇ ਚਾਹੁੰਣ ਵਾਲਿਆਂ… pic.twitter.com/deg3GKxoc8

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) July 15, 2025

Pargat Singh, Congress MLA from Jalandhar Cantt and former Indian hockey captain, said, "Even at the age of 114, he continued to inspire generations with his strength and commitment. His legacy, however, will forever live on in the hearts of those fighting for a healthier, and drug-free Punjab."

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said the news of Fauza Singh's demise is deeply saddening.

"Living a healthy lifestyle and reaching the age of 114, which seems impossible in today's era, he made possible," said Saini in a post in Hindi on X.

"His indomitable energy and message of a healthy lifestyle are a source of inspiration for us all. His life journey will continue to inspire future generations to move forward with discipline, determination, and positive thinking," the Haryana CM said.

पंजाब के जालंधर में प्रसिद्ध एथलीट और फिटनेस के प्रतीक श्रद्धेय फौजा सिंह जी के निधन का समाचार अत्यंत दुःखद है।

स्वस्थ जीवनशैली के साथ 114 वर्ष की आयु का जीवन, आज के दौर में असम्भव है और उन्होंने इसको सम्भव कर दिखाया। उनकी अदम्य ऊर्जा और स्वस्थ जीवनशैली का संदेश हम सभी के लिए… pic.twitter.com/IMhC1NP9si

— Nayab Saini (@NayabSainiBJP) July 15, 2025

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