Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei dies days after being set ablaze by partner

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Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has passed away at a Kenyan hospital after suffering severe burns in an attack.

The 33-year-old sustained burns on 80% of her body following an incident with her partner on Sunday.

Cheptegei was receiving treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret. A hospital spokesperson, Owen Menach, confirmed her death on Thursday.

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The Ugandan Athletics Federation posted on X: “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.”

Speaking to The Star, a Kenyan news outlet, Dr Owen Menach, acting director of the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, said “we lost her after all her organs failed” on Wednesday night.

According to Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom, her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, doused her with petrol and set her on fire during an argument. Ndiema also suffered burns and was admitted to the same hospital.

Cheptegei’s death a disaster

Cheptegei recently competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, finishing 44th. She had qualified for the Olympics by setting a personal best of 2:22:47 at the Abu Dhabi Marathon in December 2022.

In 2023, Cheptegei finished 14th in the marathon at the World Championships. She also placed 14th in the same event at the previous year’s World Championships in Budapest.

Two years ago, she won the mountain race at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships held in Thailand.

Tags: Rebecca Cheptegei, Ugandan Olympic athlete, Uganda, Paris Olympics, Abu Dhabi Marathon, World Championships, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Owen Menach, set ablaze by partner, #nrtcsports, #nrtcnigeria, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcnews, #NewsRoundTheClock, boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema.