Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who was attacked and set on fire by her boyfriend just weeks after competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics, has died, the Uganda Athletics Federation confirmed on social media.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence,” the sports organization posted to X on Thursday. “As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace.”
The athlete was being treated for severe burns covering 75% of her body, per reports. On Monday, Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said Cheptegei’s boyfriend Dickson Ndiema attacked her at her western Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya, home at around 3 p.m. local time on Sunday after the two got into a heated argument.
Cheptegei’s death was also confirmed by the Kenyan Olympic team, which extended condolences to “the Ugandan sports community, family and friends of Rebecca Cheptegei.”
“Her untimely and tragic passing is a profound loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time as we honor her legacy and advocate for an end to gender-based violence,” the team posted on social media.
According to a police filing by the local chief, Ndiema and Cheptegei had a dispute over land for a house Cheptegei recently bought. Per her parents, she purchased the land in Trans-Nzoia so she could be near the athletic training centers in the area.
Kosiom said Ndiema set Cheptegei on fire after dousing her with a gallon of petrol.
“[Ndiema] is believed to have sneaked into the compound at around 2:00 p.m. on Sunday while the wife and the children were in Church. Upon returning, Dickson, who had procured petrol, began pouring it on Rebecca before he set her ablaze,” Kosiom told The Standard. “The couple was heard quarreling 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.”
Cheptegei finished in 44th place for the marathon at the Summer Games.
