Kenya — Rebecca Cheptegei, the 33-year-old Ugandan Olympic marathon runner, has died from severe burns sustained in a violent attack by her partner, Dickson Ndiema.
Cheptegei passed away early Thursday morning at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city, Kenya, where she had been receiving treatment. Hospital spokesperson Owen Menach confirmed that Cheptegei’s death was due to organ failure following the extensive burns, which affected 80% of her body.
Cheptegei, a prominent figure in long-distance running, had recently competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, finishing in 44th place. Her death marks a tragic end to a career that had shown remarkable promise and athleticism.
The incident occurred on Sunday when Ndiema allegedly purchased gasoline, poured it on Cheptegei, and set her ablaze during an argument. Ndiema, who also sustained burns covering 30% of his body, is currently in stable condition and receiving care in the same hospital’s intensive care unit.
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed profound grief and a call for justice, stating that he has lost a daughter who was both supportive and deeply cherished. “We hope that justice will be served,” he told reporters outside the hospital.
Local authorities reported that the couple had been involved in a dispute over property in Trans Nzoia County, where Cheptegei had recently purchased land near local athletic training centers. This dispute reportedly culminated in the tragic attack.
The Uganda Athletics Federation mourned Cheptegei’s death through a statement on X (formerly Twitter), condemning the act of violence and calling for justice. “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in Peace.”
Donald Rukare, President of the Uganda Olympic Committee, described the attack as “a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete.”
Cheptegei’s death is part of a disturbing trend of violence against athletes in East Africa. In 2023, Ugandan steeplechaser Benjamin Kiplagat was found dead with stab wounds. The previous year, Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee was strangled, and in 2021, long-distance runner Agnes Tirop was fatally stabbed by her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, who faces ongoing legal proceedings.
The sports community and the public are grappling with the shock and sorrow of this latest tragedy. As investigations continue, the calls for justice and the need to address domestic violence remain at the forefront of public discourse.
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