Ugandan Olympic Athlete Rebecca Cheptegei Dies After Being Burned by Partner
Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed in the marathon at the recent Paris Olympics, has died after being attacked by her boyfriend.
Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed in the marathon at the recent Paris Olympics, has died at a hospital in Kenya after being attacked by her boyfriend, who allegedly doused her with gasoline and set her on fire, the medical center reported on Thursday.
"Unfortunately, we lost her after all her organs failed last night," said Dr. Owen Menach, the interim director of Moi University Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, western Kenya, as quoted by local media.
The Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) also confirmed the death of the 33-year-old athlete.
"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, early this morning, who tragically was a victim of domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace," the UAF stated on its social media account X.
The incident occurred last Sunday in Kenya's Trans Nzoia County (west), from where the athlete was rushed to the hospital with burns covering 80% of her body.
The alleged attacker, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, also suffered severe burns covering 30% of his body and is being treated at the same hospital in Eldoret.
According to the police, Marangach entered Cheptegei’s home with a five-liter can of gasoline on Sunday.
Cheptegei had gone to church with her children, and upon returning home, the man poured the fuel on her and set her alight.
The athlete's parents, Joseph Cheptegei and Agnes Ndiema, said their daughter, who lived in Uganda, had purchased land in Kenya’s county and had built a house where she stayed during her training.
"I have lost a daughter who has been supporting me in many ways," said the father, visibly distressed, to reporters at the hospital, noting that the family depended financially on the athlete.
"We have children in secondary schools, and I don't know how we will handle this challenge to ensure they complete their education," added the father, urging authorities to expedite the investigation and ensure the alleged perpetrator is arrested and charged.
Cheptegei died after the Kenyan government announced plans on Wednesday to transfer the athlete to Nairobi for specialized medical treatment due to her critical condition.
"Efforts are being made to ensure that the athlete admitted in Eldoret is airlifted to Nairobi for specialized treatment following the unfortunate incident," said Kenya's Secretary of State for Sport, Peter Tum.
Cheptegei, who had been competing in races since 2010, took part in the women's marathon at the recent Paris Olympics, finishing in 44th place.