Rebecca Cheptegei, a prominent Ugandan marathon runner, has passed away after being severely burned in an arson attack by her former boyfriend, according to Ugandan officials. The 33-year-old athlete, who had recently competed in the Paris Olympics, succumbed to her injuries early this morning.
Cheptegei was attacked on Sunday while returning home from church in north-west Kenya, where she resided and trained. It indicated that the athlete suffered extensive burns from being doused in petrol and set on fire. The assailant, identified as her ex-partner, is also hospitalized with less severe injuries and is in stable condition.
Local authorities are investigating the incident, which is believed to be connected to an ongoing dispute between Cheptegei and her former boyfriend over a piece of land. The situation highlights growing concerns about violence against female athletes in Kenya, a troubling trend that has led to several fatalities in recent years.
The Uganda Athletics Federation expressed deep sorrow over Cheptegei’s death, condemning the act of violence and calling for justice. “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace,” the federation stated on social media.
Dr. Owen Menach, head of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, confirmed that Cheptegei died from multiple organ failure due to the severity of her burns. The athlete’s family has not yet publicly confirmed her death, but the hospital’s report has been widely circulated.
Cheptegei, originally from Uganda, had invested in a property in Trans Nzoia county, Kenya, to be closer to the country’s athletic training facilities. Her recent accomplishments included a 44th-place finish in the marathon at the Paris Olympics and a gold medal at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2022.
The tragic death of Cheptegei follows the recent killings of fellow East African athletes Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, whose partners were implicated in the crimes. Tirop’s husband faces murder charges, while authorities continue to search for Mutua’s boyfriend.
Donald Rukare, head of Uganda’s Olympic Committee, described Cheptegei’s death as a “cowardly and senseless act,” emphasizing that her legacy as a celebrated athlete will endure. Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, has called for justice, expressing his shock at the brutality of the attack.
The incident underscores the urgent need for increased efforts to address and prevent violence against female athletes and individuals in vulnerable situations.
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