Daughter of Olympian killed after being 'set on fire by ex-boyfriend' gives horrific eye-witness account of attack

The following story contains some upsetting details.

The daughter of an Olympian killed after being set on fire by an ex-partner has given a horrific eye-witness account of the incident.

On Wednesday, September 4, Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei died after suffering burns to 80 per cent of her body following an attack by an ex-boyfriend.

The 33-year-old, who finished 44th in the women's marathon at the Paris Olympics earlier this summer, was reportedly attacker last weekend by her former partner Dickson Ndiema Marangach.

Local police reported that the pair were involved in an argument at Cheptegei's home in Endebess, Kenya, before Marangach doused her in petrol and set her on fire.

Cheptegei was taken to the intensive care unit at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. She was due to be transferred to a hospital in Nairobi for specialised treatment on Friday but her condition deteriorated.

Rebecca Cheptegei ran in the women's marathon at the Paris Olympics. [Getty]

Dr Owen Menach confirmed her death on Wednesday evening, explaining that all of her vital organs failed.

The attacker reportedly broke into Cheptegei's home while she and her two children were at church before carrying out the attack.

The attacker was also taken to hospital with burns to 30 per cent of his body.

One of Cheptegei’s daughters - who witnessed the assault - told Kenyan newspaper The Standard: "He kicked me while I tried to run to the rescue of my mother.

"I immediately cried out for help, attracting a neighbour who tried to extinguish the flames with water but it was not possible."

Donald Rukare, chairman of the Uganda Olympic Committee, said: "May her gentle soul rest in peace and we strongly condemn violence against women.

"This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure."

If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence 24 hours a day to the national domestic violence helpline on 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) 24/7. You can find a list of local resources here.

Topics: Olympics