Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old Ugandan Olympic athlete, has tragically passed away after suffering severe burns in a brutal attack by her partner.
Cheptegei, who competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics just a month ago, succumbed to her injuries at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, where she was being treated for burns covering 80% of her body.
Hospital spokesperson Owen Menach confirmed her death on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2024, according to the Associated Press, stating that she died early in the morning after her organs failed. Cheptegei had been fully sedated since her admission.
The tragic incident occurred following a domestic dispute on Sunday in Trans Nzoia County, where Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema, allegedly doused her with gasoline and set her on fire.
Ndiema also sustained burns and is currently in intensive care, with 30% of his body affected. Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom reported that the dispute was over a piece of land Cheptegei had purchased near the region’s athletic training centers.
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed his grief, describing his daughter as “very supportive” and called for justice in the wake of her death.
The Uganda Athletics Federation mourned her loss, condemning the act of domestic violence in a statement on social media:
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. May her soul rest in peace.”
The Uganda Olympic Committee President, Donald Rukare, also denounced the attack as a “cowardly and senseless act” that claimed the life of a talented athlete.
This devastating incident follows a string of violent attacks on East African athletes in recent years, highlighting a troubling pattern.
In 2023, Ugandan Olympic runner Benjamin Kiplagat was found dead with stab wounds, and in 2021, Kenyan long-distance runner Agnes Tirop was fatally stabbed by her husband, a case that is still ongoing.
