The Kenyan Olympic marathon champion, Samuel "Sammy" Wanjiru, has died after falling from a balcony at his home in the Rift Valley town of Nyahururu. National police spokesman Eric Kiraithe said it appeared he had killed himself. The 24 year old won in Beijing in 2008 in an Olympic record time, becoming Kenya's first marathon champion. Last December, he was charged with threatening to kill his wife, Triza Njeri, assault and the illegal possession of an AK-47 assault rifle. Mrs Njeri subsequently withdrew her accusations, saying they had reconciled. However, Mr Wanjiru was due to appear before a court on 23 May on the charge of illegal possession of a firearm. Prize money The Olympic champion had had a stormy relationship with his wife, and fell from the balcony of his home following a domestic dispute. Nyahururu police chief Jasper Ombati said it began when Mrs Njeri returned unexpectedly to find Mr Wanjiru entertaining a female friend, according to the Daily Nation newspaper. Police are currently questioning both women about the incident. Mr Wanjiru suffered internal injuries as a result of his fall and was pronounced dead in hospital after attempts to revive him failed. The BBC's Will Ross in Nairobi says some Kenyans believe his domestic problems were linked to his recently acquired wealth from prize money. Kenya has lost a great runner at a tragically young age, our correspondent adds. Source: BBC