The Ugandan runner represented her country in the marathon at the recent Paris Olympics
Rebecca Cheptegei died days after being doused with gasoline and set on fire.
The Olympic marathon runner, who finished 44th for Uganda at Paris 2024 just last month, was allegedly attacked by her ex-boyfriend at her home in Endebes, Western Kenya.
Cheptegei suffered burns to 75% of her body and was reportedly rescued by neighbors when the incident took place.
The Ugandan was then taken to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret and was in a critical condition.
Cheptegei has now sadly succumbed to those injuries and died aged 33.
Dr Owen Menach, head of the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, told local media that the athlete died after all her organs failed.
Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, said he wanted “justice for my daughter” and that he had “never seen such an inhuman act in his life”.
Rebecca Cheptegei in Budapest (River)
The Uganda Athletics Federation added: “It is with deep sadness that we inform you that our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically became a victim of domestic violence, died early this morning. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May his soul rest in peace.”
Cheptege’s ex-boyfriend is in intensive care with burns, but is now in a stable condition.
A report filed by the local administrator of the region said that the ex-boyfriend attacked Cheptegei over a disagreement over where his house was built.
Trans Nzoia District Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom told reporters that “the couple was heard arguing outside their house” and that “the boyfriend was seen pouring liquid on the woman before setting her on fire”.
In addition to the marathon at the Paris Olympics and last year’s world championships in Budapest, Cheptegei also won gold at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Agnes Tirop Memorial (Getty)
She is the latest victim of attacks on female athletes in Kenya.
Back in October 2021, Agnes Tirop, a two-time world 10,000m medalist and women-only 10km world record holder, was found stabbed to death.
After his murder, Angels of Tirop was founded – an organization founded by Kenyan athletes and the Tirop family to stand together against gender-based violence.
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