Ugandan Olympian Dies After Being Set On Fire By Boyfriend

Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who featured in the Paris 2024 Olympics last month, has died days after she was burned by her boyfriend.

The death of Cheptegei was confirmed on X by Uganda’s athletics federation on Thursday.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence,” the Uganda Athletics Federation posted. “As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace.”

Cheptegei, 33, who lived in Kenya, had been in a critical condition after suffering burns on 75% of her body following Sunday’s attack at her house in the western Trans Nzoia County.

The 33-year-old late athlete finished 44th in the women’s marathon at the Olympics weeks ago.

Trans Nzoia County police commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said earlier this week that the athlete had been doused in petrol by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema.

Kosiom said the suspect stormed her house with a jerry can of gasoline and set fire to her after a disagreement over land. Ndiema, who was also burned, is being treated at a hospital in the city of Eldoret.

A medical official at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital where Cheptegei was being treated told CNN affiliate Citizen TV on Thursday that she suffered multi-organ failure late Wednesday.

Uganda’s minister of state for sports, Peter Ogwang, described Cheptegei’s death as “tragic” in a post on X Thursday.

He added that Kenyan authorities are investigating the circumstances under which she died and a more detailed report and program will be provided in due course.