Ugandan Olympian Cheptegei dies after being set on fire – DW – 09/05/2024

Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died after being set on fire by her boyfriend in Kenya, the head of the Ugandan Olympic Committee said on Thursday.

“We have learned of the sad passing of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei… after a violent attack by her boyfriend,” Donald Rukare said in a post on X.

“This was a cowardly and senseless act that resulted in the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will live on,” he added.

Burns to 80% of her body

The 33-year-old marathon runner suffered burns over 80% of her body, said the acting head of the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital where she was treated.

“All her organs failed last night,” a doctor at the facility told AFP news agency.

According to police, a man identified as her partner allegedly doused Cheptegei with gasoline and set her on fire at her home on Sunday.

The Uganda Athletics Federation also responded to Cheptegei’s death.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning, who was tragically a victim of domestic violence,” the federation posted on X. “As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace.”

Cheptegei competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics last month.

jsi/nm (AFP, AP)