Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei died in Kenya days after an ex-partner doused her with fuel and set her on fire. She was hospitalized with 80% of her body burned. The cause is classified as a femicide since the aggressor is hospitalized with burns on his body.
The Olympic athlete died after being attacked by her ex-partner
She had participated in the marathon at the last Olympic Games in Paris 2024, and died in a Kenyan hospital. Rebeca had been hospitalized for four days, with burns on 80% of her body after an attack by her ex-partner.
The 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner, who competed in the recent Olympics, suffered severe burns on Sunday. Authorities in Kenya’s Trans Nzoia county where Cheptegei lived and trained said the attack occurred after she returned home from church with her children.
The Olympic athlete’s ex-partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, also suffered severe burns on 30% of her body and is currently hospitalised in the same hospital in Eldoret.
On Sunday, September 1, according to police sources, Marangach sneaked into Cheptegei’s house with a 5-liter canister full of gasoline. Rebeca had gone to church with her children and, when she returned, the man threw the fuel at her and set her on fire.
The family
“Dear friends and family of Rebecca Cheptegei. It is with deep sorrow that we write this post. Rebecca passed away in the early hours of this morning whilst undergoing treatment in hospital. She really fought and tried to be strong, and finally took her last breath surrounded by her children and family.
Words cannot describe how much we will miss her. She brightened up any room with a smile and always knew how to make people laugh. We know she impacted many lives, and we are devastated to share this news. She was loved and will be missed by so many people.
The details of her funeral will be shared here. Thank you to all who were good friends of Rebecca. We are forever grateful for the impact on her life.
Uganda Athletics Federation
In addition to the statement from the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) who also confirmed the death of the 33-year-old athlete . “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing away of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, early this morning, who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace , ” said the UAF on its social media account X.
A case of femicide is being investigated.
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