In a heartbreaking turn of events, Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has passed away following a horrific domestic violence incident in Kenya.
The 33-year-old distance runner, who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, suffered extensive injuries after reportedly being set on fire by her boyfriend.
According to multiple reports, including from the Associated Press, BBC News, and ESPN, Cheptegei sustained severe burns covering 75 percent of her body after her boyfriend allegedly doused her with gasoline and set her ablaze.
The tragic incident occurred at her home in Trans Nzoia County, western Kenya, on Sunday, September 1.
Despite the best efforts of medical staff at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, where she was receiving specialized care, Cheptegei succumbed to her injuries on Thursday, September 5.
Dr. Owen Menach, Director of Clinical Services and Surgery at MTRH, confirmed that the athlete passed away around 5 a.m. local time due to “full organ failure.”
Dr. Tony Sabila, a family member, also confirmed the devastating news, expressing sorrow over her passing.
“It is true that we lost our sister this morning, although the doctors tried to save her life, and I was there personally,” he said.
The Uganda Athletics Federation mourned Cheptegei’s passing on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating, “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.”
According to police, the attack stemmed from a dispute between Cheptegei and her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander, Jeremiah ole Kosiom, revealed to reporters that neighbors overheard the couple arguing on the day of the incident.
“During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her,” Kosiom told BBC News.
Local reports indicate that the argument involved a dispute over the land on which their home was built.
Ndiema, who also sustained serious burns during the attack, was hospitalized alongside Cheptegei for treatment.
According to police, Ndiema is believed to have snuck into the home while Cheptegei and her children were at church.
He allegedly procured petrol before carrying out the brutal attack upon their return.
Rebecca Cheptegei was a remarkable athlete, finishing 44th in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics in August.
She had also claimed gold at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available.
Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org for confidential, 24/7 support in over 170 languages.
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Source: People
