Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has died after sustaining burns to 80 percent of her body and being hospitalized in critical condition in Kenya, following a vicious attack
Rebecca Cheptegei tragically succumbed to her injuries (Photo: Getty Images)
A tragic story has emerged just one month after the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has died after being hospitalized in critical condition in Kenya, Uganda’s Olympic Committee chief confirmed on Thursday. Allegedly, she was set on fire by her boyfriend in a shocking and vicious act of violence.
Cheptegei, 33, sustained burns to 80 percent of her body, according to the acting head of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, a city in Kenya's Rift Valley. Her boyfriend, who also suffered burns, is reportedly responsible for pouring a flammable substance on her and setting her on fire. The reason for this horrific act remains unknown.
“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 great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure ,” Donald Rukare Uganda’s Olympic Committee President, shared on Thursday in a post on X.
Police reported that a man named Dickson Ndiema Marangach, identified as Cheptegei's partner, allegedly doused her with petrol and set her on fire during an attack at her home in Endebess, located in the western county of Trans-Nzoia, on Sunday.
The tragic incident occurred just weeks after Cheptegei had taken part in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she placed 44th.
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