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Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has passed away aftersuffering severe burns in a brutal attack. She had recently competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympic Games, where she finished 44th. The 33-year-old athlete succumbed to her injuries days after being
doused in petrol and set on fire by a former boyfriend.
The tragic incident occurred in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, where Cheptegei had settled to be close to the region’s renowned athletics training centers. According to local authorities, the attack happened,after Cheptegei returned home from church with her two children.
The suspect, her former boyfriend, allegedly poured petrol on her and set her ablaze during a heated argument. Neighbors rushed to her aid, extinguishing the flames and taking her to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, where she was treated for extensive burns covering 80% of her body.
The Uganda Athletics Federation expressed their sorrow in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing 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."
Cheptegei’s parents, who were devastated by the loss, shared that their daughter had bought land in Trans Nzoia to be near the athletics training centers. Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, clarified that her husband, who lives in Uganda, was not the suspect. “Rebecca was outside the house when the suspect appeared and immediately poured,petrol on her before lighting the fire,” he told local media.
“The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her," Jeremiah Ole Kosiom, the local police chief said. The suspect, who also suffered burns, is currently receiving treatment and is under police custody.
She was a mother of two young daughters, aged nine and eleven,
