(LibertySociety.com) – Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei passed away on Thursday after succumbing to injuries from a brutal attack by her boyfriend in Kenya. The marathon runner, who competed for Uganda in the Paris Olympics, died from multiple organ failure in a Kenyan hospital’s burn unit, according to CNN.
The horrific incident occurred on Sunday when her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, reportedly barged into her home and reignited an argument over a land dispute. In a shocking escalation, Ndiema doused Cheptegei with gasoline and set her on fire. Authorities revealed that she sustained burns over 75 percent of her body.
Cheptegei’s death has sent shockwaves through the athletic community. The Ugandan Athletic Federation confirmed the news in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressing deep sorrow over her tragic death due to domestic violence. “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei… As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace,” the statement read.
The Kenyan Olympic Team also shared their condolences, describing her untimely death as a “profound loss.” Cheptegei’s family, particularly her mother, Agnes, mourned the loss deeply. Agnes described her daughter as “a good child” and expressed her devastation.
Uganda’s minister of state for sports, Peter Ogwang, called Cheptegei’s death “tragic.” He also stated that Kenyan authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, and a full report is expected in due time.
Cheptegei had participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th in the women’s marathon. Her death marks a heartbreaking end to the life of a promising athlete whose career was cut short by an unspeakable act of violence. As investigations continue, calls for justice grow louder, with many condemning domestic violence and mourning the loss of a rising star.
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