Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan Olympic athlete, died at a Kenyan hospital where she was being treated after her partner burned 80% of her body. The hospital spokesperson, Owen Menach, confirmed her death and stated that the runner passed away early in the morning after her organs failed. Cheptegei had competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics before the attack. Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed his loss and desire for justice.
Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema, bought gasoline, poured it on her, and set her on fire during a disagreement. Ndiema was also injured and receiving treatment at the same hospital. Menach mentioned that Ndiema was in the intensive care unit but was showing signs of improvement.
Cheptegei’s parents revealed that their daughter had bought land in Trans Nzoia to be close to the county’s athletic training centers. The local chief reported that the couple argued over the land where her house was built before the tragic incident.
The Uganda Athletics Federation mourned Cheptegei’s death on social media, condemning domestic violence and seeking justice. Uganda Olympic Committee President Donald Rukare described the attack as cowardly and senseless, resulting in the loss of a great athlete.
Other incidents of violence against athletes were cited from previous years, including the deaths of Benjamin Kiplagat, Damaris Muthee, and Agnes Tirop. The cases underscore the need for greater protection and awareness about the dangers athletes face.
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