Featured Image Credit: Uganda Athletics Federation
Topics: Olympics
Tom Jenkins
The following story contains some upsetting details.
Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically passed away after reportedly being the victim of a horrific petrol attack.
According to local media, the 33-year-old Ugandan suffered significant burns after her ex-boyfriend snuck into her home.
Following the alleged attack, Cheptegei spent days receiving medical care while in critical condition at an ICU in the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya.
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Her death was confirmed on Wednesday night as Dr Owen Menach released the following statement via Kenyan newspaper The Star: "Unfortunately, we lost her after all her organs failed last night."
The news of her passing was also confirmed by on X by African station Radio 4 Ensunsuzi.
The post read: "Rebecca Cheptegei, the Ugandan Olympic athlete who was set on fire by her Kenyan boyfriend has died."
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Jeremiah Ole Kosiom, who is the local police chief for the area, claimed on Tuesday that the attack was the result of an argument between the pair, which led to Cheptegei's ex-partner pouring petrol on her and setting her on fire.
The attacker reportedly broke into Cheptegei's home while she and her two children were at church before carrying out the alleged fatal attack using a matchstick.
The alleged attacker was also caught on fire during the attack and suffered serious burns.
The Ugandan runner was helped by neighbours who were alerted. Official Kosiom said: "The [ex]couple were heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the [ex ]boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her."
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Cheptegei finished 44th in the women's marathon just last month during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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.