Rebecca Cheptegei, an Olympic marathon runner from Uganda has lost her life, days after sustaining severe burn injuries. The athlete was rushed to the hospital on Sunday after she was allegedly doused in petrol and set ablaze by her ex-boyfriend.
The star athlete who was receiving treatment at the intensive care unit of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, reportedly sustained 80 per cent burns to her body.
The hospital’s acting director, Dr Owen Menach confirmed this morning that Cheptegei, 33, died on Tuesday night (September 3).”Unfortunately, we lost her after all her organs failed last night.” Menach told Kenyan press.
Rebecca Cheptegei took part in the just concluded Paris Olympics 2024. She placed 44th in the Women’s Marathon. Cheptegei qualified for the Olympics after finishing the Abu Dhabi Marathon in 2022 in two hours, 22 minutes and 47 seconds, her best time.
The unfortunate incident occurred at Cheptegei’s house in western Trans Nzoia County, close to the Ugandan border. The Ugandan runner had recently relocated to be closer to higher ranking Kenyan training facilities. Trans Nzoia County Police Commander, Jeremiah Ole Kosiom said that the deceased’s former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, had bought a can of petrol, poured it on her, and set her ablaze during a disagreement on Sunday.
Kosiom revealed that Cheptegei and Ndiema were “heard arguing outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her. The boyfriend is believed to have sneaked into the compound at around 2pm on Sunday while Rebecca and the children were in Church” – The Standard reported.
Rebecca’s father Joseph Cheptegei claimed that the two were fighting over her land at Endebes in Trans Nzoia shortly before the alleged attack occurred.
Tributes have started pouring in for Rebecca Cheptegei. Dr. Donald Rukare the Chairperson of National Council of Sports of Uganda, condemned the act by stating: “This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete.”
We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei OLY following a vicious attack by her boyfriend. May her gentle soul rest in peace and we strongly condemn violence against women. This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a… pic.twitter.com/V8Mog3oMOX
— Donald Rukare (@drukare) September 5, 2024
