Fauja Singh Death: Age-Defying 'Turbaned Tornado' Leaves Behind Rich Marathon Legacy

Global icon Fauja Singh, famously known as the 'Turbaned Tornado', died aged 114 following a hit-and-run accident in Jalandhar on Monday (July 14, 2025). An SUV struck him close to his Beas Pind home. The incident occurred during his customary walk towards a family-run dhaba. A Toyota Fortuner hit Singh as he crossed the Jalandhar-Pathankot national highway.

Singh sustained severe head injuries. Paramedics rushed him to a private hospital in Jalandhar, where he died from his injuries that evening. Local authorities promptly acted. They arrested the accused, Amritpal Singh Dhillon, within 30 hours.

Dhillon, a Non-Resident Indian who recently returned from Canada, confessed his involvement. He claimed he did not “realise” the victim was Singh until media reports 'surfaced'.

Memorial services honoured the legendary Indian marathon runner. Singh's life story is one of remarkable resilience and notable achievements.

Widespread Tributes And His Early Life

Fauja Singh's death brought widespread grief. Tributes poured in from across India and worldwide. Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences, calling Singh “extraordinary because of his unique persona”.

Gulab Chand Kataria, the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, wrote: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh Ji, the legendary marathon runner and symbol of resilience. At 114, he joined me in the 'Nasha Mukt, Rangla Punjab' march with unmatched spirit. His legacy will continue to inspire a drug-free Punjab.”

Author Khushwant Singh, who wrote Singh's biography and frequently accompanied the athlete, confirmed details of his death, remarking: “My Turbaned Tornado is no more… Rest in peace, my dear Fauja."

The marathon runner was born on 1 April 1911 into a farming family in Punjab. He emigrated to England in the early 1990s after his wife's death. Tragedy marked his life. A turning point arrived in 1994: his son, Kuldip Singh, died in a gruesome accident, an event that plunged Singh into deep depression.

Singh, aged 83, turned to running, crediting physical activity and self-discipline for his recovery and long life. His family life intertwined with both love and loss; he had several children. His frequent visits to a dhaba named after his late son, where he would share meals and reminisce, highlighted his emotional ties.

Singh discussed sacrifice and humility, living by the principles of his Sikh faith. He stated: "There are two noble things in life: one to do charity and [the] other to look after your body."

Marathon Achievements And Global Recognition

Singh began competitive running at 89, making his marathon debut at the 2000 London Marathon. He set a personal best marathon time of 5 hours 40 minutes at 92. At 100, he became the oldest person to complete a full marathon, finishing the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in just over eight hours.

Days earlier, Singh broke five world age-group records in a single day, including the fastest 200m, 400m, 800m, 1-mile, and 3,000m times for his age group. Across the early 2000s, he ran major international marathons in London, Toronto, and New York.

He carried the torch for both the 2004 Athens Games and the 2012 London Olympics. His journey inspired millions globally. His life and marathon achievements led to books, including his biography “Turbaned Tornado,” and the announced biopic “Fauja.”

Legacy And Advocacy

Singh, a lifelong vegetarian and committed Sikh, emphasized humility, generosity and compassion throughout his life. He used his fame not for personal gain but to advance causes such as animal welfare, charity and health. As he once told CNN, “There are two noble things in life: one to do charity and [the] other to look after your body.”

Singh's celebrity emerged unexpectedly, but he saw it as an opportunity to inspire positive change, campaigning for a drug-free Punjab and appearing in PETA campaigns. His resilience and simple living made him a revered icon not only in athletics, but also as a community role model for healthful living and benevolence.

His journey began in 1911 in rural Punjab and spanned continents and a changing century: from a childhood of farming, emigration to the UK in old age, and a late-life running career born from personal tragedy. Key milestones include his marathon debut at 89 in 2000, his record-breaking centenary in 2011, and his final competitive race at 101 in 2013.

His untimely death by a hit-and-run highlights the dangers facing vulnerable pedestrians, particularly elderly athletes, and underscores growing global concerns for road safety. Singh’s passing reflects similar incidents involving prominent elderly figures whose lives road accidents ended abruptly, prompting renewed calls for awareness and pedestrian protections.