Rebecca Cheptegei, an athlete who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, has died as a result of being ‘covered in petrol and set on fire by an ex- boyfriend’.
Ugandan officials have confirmed that Cheptegei, a marathon runner, has lost her life.
The athlete was left in critical condition after suffering extensive burns on 1 September.
Kenyan hospital director Dr Owen Menach confirmed this morning that Cheptegei had passed away.
He said: “Unfortunately, we lost her after all her organs failed last night.”
Cheptegei was attacked at her home in Endebess, Kenya.
According to the BBC, officials in north-west Kenya have stated that Cheptegei was targeted after returning home from church.
Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically passed away (Jiang Qiming/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)
As per the Kenyan newspaper The Standard, Jeremiah ole Kosiom, the Trans Nzoia County Police Commander, stated: “The boyfriend is believed to have sneaked into the compound at around 2pm on Sunday while the wife and the children were in Church.
“The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her.
“The suspect was also caught by the fire and sustained serious burns.”
The newspaper also reported one of Cheptegei’s daughters as saying: “He kicked me while I tried to run to the rescue of my mother.
BREAKING NEWS💔💔
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. pic.twitter.com/ZdxmZ3wDuE— UGANDA ATHLETICS FEDERATION🇺🇬🇺🇬 UAF (@UgaAthletics2) September 5, 2024
“I immediately cried out for help, attracting a neighbour who tried to extinguish the flames with water, but it was not possible.”
Chairman of the Uganda Olympic Committee, Donald Rukare, stated: “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.”
Cheptegei came 44th in the women’s marathon during the Paris Olympics in August, with a time of two hours, 32 minutes and 14 seconds.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation issued a statement on social media which read: “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.”
Earlier this week, Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, said that he was praying ‘for justice for [his] daughter’, and added that he had never known a more inhumane act in his life.
Featured Image Credit: FERENC ISZA/AFP via Getty Images
