Cheptegei was left fighting for her life in hospital following a disagreement with a former boyfriend
Rebecca Cheptegei, a marathon runner who competed for Uganda at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has died days after she was set on fire, allegedly by an ex-boyfriend.
Cheptegei, 33, was left fighting for her life in hospital for burns on 75 per cent of her body following a disagreement with her former boyfriend outside their house on Sunday 1 September, police said.
The head of the Uganda’s Olympics committee confirmed her death on Thursday in a post on Twitter/X.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence,” a further post from the Uganda athletics federation said.
Cheptegei was receiving treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city in Kenya, where she trained.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander, Jeremiah ole Kosiom, said that Cheptegei’s ex-boyfriend bought a jerry can of petrol, poured it on her and set her ablaze.
Cheptegei’s former partner also sustained burn wounds, although they are less severe, and is receiving treatment at the same hospital.
Cheptegei’s parents said their daughter bought land in Trans Nzoia to be near the many athletic training centres in the county.
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