Eldoret Family Mourns Second Child After Daughter Dies in Australia Weeks Before Graduation
An Eldoret family is mourning the death of their daughter, June Chebet Kili, in Australia just weeks before her university graduation, two years after losing her brother in a tragic farm accident in Kenya.
June Chebet Kili died in Australia weeks before her graduation, leaving her Eldoret family grieving a second devastating loss after the death of her brother two years ago.
By Ruth Sang
An Eldoret family has been plunged into mourning following the death of their daughter, June Chebet Kili, in Australia, just weeks before she was due to graduate from university.
June, who was pursuing her studies at the University of Newcastle, died on Sunday, June 1, 2026, while undergoing treatment at Calvary Mater Hospital.
She had been living in Australia since 2024 and was looking forward to completing her studies, with her graduation scheduled for June 26.
A statement released by the community confirmed the sad news.
“It is with profound sorrow and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ms June Chebet Kili, which occurred on Sunday, 1st June 2026, while she was receiving treatment at Calvary Mater Hospital,” the announcement read.
Friends and relatives have described June as a dedicated and ambitious young woman who remained focused on her academic goals and was eagerly anticipating the completion of her degree before returning home.
Her death has deeply affected both her family in Eldoret and members of the Kenyan community in Australia, where she had built strong relationships with fellow students and members of the diaspora.
In the city of Newcastle, Kenyans living in Australia have been holding prayer gatherings in her memory, as they seek to support one another and stand with the grieving family during the difficult period.
Community members have expressed shock at the loss, noting that June had a bright future ahead of her and was only weeks away from achieving a major milestone in her academic journey.
The tragedy has been made even more painful by the family’s previous loss. Two years ago, June’s brother, Rodney Kili, died following a farm accident in Kenya.
The two deaths within a short span have left relatives, friends and members of the wider community struggling to come to terms with the family’s loss.
Many have described the situation as heartbreaking and emotionally overwhelming, given that the family has now lost two children in just two years.
Plans for memorial services and the repatriation of June’s body are expected to be communicated in the coming days.
Meanwhile, members of the Kenyan diaspora in Australia have continued to rally around the family, offering emotional and logistical support as they navigate another painful chapter of grief.
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