OLYMPIC marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has died after her ex-boyfriend allegedly set her on fire in a brutal petrol attack.
A Ugandan athlete, 33, suffered horrific burns over 75 percent of her body after her ex-partner sneaked into her home to ambush her, local media reported.
5
Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, is said to have died
5
Rebecca Cheptegei at the 2024 Paris Olympics
5
Rebecca Cheptegei competes in the Discovery 10km Road Race in Kapchorwa, Uganda, January 2023.
Cheptegei spent days in a critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, western Kenya.
The Uganda Athletics Federation announced on X on Thursday morning: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei who tragically became a victim of domestic violence early this morning.
“As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace.”
Cheptegei has been a cross-country, long-distance and marathon runner who has competed around the world, most recently finishing 44th in the women’s marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom said on Tuesday that Cheptegei’s ex-boyfriend doused her with petrol and set her on fire during an argument on Sunday.
He allegedly entered her home while she and her two children were at church.
While he allegedly set her on fire with a match, he was also engulfed in flames and rushed to hospital, reports Nation Africa.
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, told Kenyan newspaper The Star that his daughter’s two children were not fathered by the alleged attacker.
After the terrible incident in Endebess, the town where she lived, the athlete was helped by her neighbors.
People on X paid tribute to the athlete, writing “RIP” and “May her soul rest in peace”.
One woman added: “So sad, I’ve watched her race many times.”
Another wrote: “Dear Ugandans, and to her family, we are sorry. This is heartbreaking.”
It was a cowardly and senseless act that led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will live on
Donald Rukare, President of the Uganda Olympic Committee
Dr Owen Menach, acting director of the hospital where Cheptegei was being treated, today confirmed that she died late last night.
He told Kenyan media: “Unfortunately, we lost her after all her organs failed.”
Meanwhile, Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) president Donald Rukare said in a post on X today: “We have learned of the sad death of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei… following a vicious attack by her boyfriend.
“This was a cowardly and senseless act that led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will live on.”
The UOC calls on the local police to “take swift and decisive action to bring the perpetrator to justice.”
Official Kosiom said this week: ” [ex]It is believed that the boy crept into the property around 2 pm on Sunday, Doc [Cheptegei] and the children were in church,” writes the Kenyan newspaper Standard.
“Upon returning, [the attacker]who obtained gasoline, began dousing Rebecca with it before setting her on fire.
“A couple was heard arguing in front of their house.
“During the argument, the boyfriend was seen dousing the woman with liquid before setting her on fire.
“The suspect was also caught in the fire and suffered serious burns.”
A police investigation has been launched.
At the scene, they found a five-liter canister, a bag and a burnt phone, reports the Kenyan newspaper The Nation.
Cheptegei – from a region across the border in Uganda – reportedly bought a piece of land in Trans Nzoia district and built a house to be closer to Kenya’s athletics training facilities.
A local manager’s report says the former couple were in a dispute over a plot of land.
Cheptegei’s father spoke to his other daughter from the hospital and told local media that the two had argued over her land shortly before the alleged attack took place.
The professional runner finished 44th in the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Inside Rebecca Cheptegei’s athletic career
Ellie Doughty, foreign news reporter
Rebecca Cheptegei, who has died aged 33, was a Ugandan cross-country, long-distance and marathon runner.
She has represented Uganda in global competitions since 2010 including the IAAF World Cross Country Championships, the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships and the World Athletics Championships.
Cheptegei recently competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the women’s marathon race.
She finished in 44th place.
According to local reports, Cheptegei had two children.
She recently moved to Trans Nzoia County to be closer to Kenyan athletics training facilities.
5
Rebecca Cheptegei’s sister, Evalyne Chelagat cried at a press conference this weekCredit: NTV Kenya
5
Rebecca’s father Joseph Cheptegei, speaking earlier this week from the hospital together with his other daughter Evalyne ChelagatCredit: NTV Kenya
How you can get help
Women’s Aid has the following advice for victims and their families:
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Learn about the silent solution, by reporting abuse without speaking into the handset, instead of dialing “55”.
- Always have some cash with you, including change for a payphone or bus ticket.
- If you suspect that your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a less risky part of the house – for example, where there is an exit and access to a phone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where knives or other weapons are likely to be found. Avoid rooms where you could become trapped, such as a bathroom or where you could be locked in a closet or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, the SupportLine is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during a crisis – [email protected].
Women’s Aid offers a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am to 6pm and weekends from 10am to 6pm.
You can also call the free 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education