NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — A man accused of running out of gas a Ugandan Olympic athlete, causing her death several days later, has succumbed to burns sustained in the attack, according to the Kenyan hospital where he was treated.
Dickson Ndiema was admitted to Moi Referral Hospital in the western town of Eldoret for burns that covered 30% of his body. Ndiema is said to have sustained the injuries after setting fire to Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, WHO died last Thursday with 80% of the burns on her body.
Hospital spokesman Owen Menach told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the hospital would issue a statement later but confirmed the patient had died.
Ndiema and Cheptegei were said to have argued over a piece of land the athlete bought in Kenya, according to a report filed by the local chief.
Cheptegei competed in the women’s marathon at Paris Olympics less than a month before the attack. She finished in 44th place.
Cheptegei’s parents said their daughter bought land in Trans Nzoia County to be close to Kenya’s many athletic training centres.
The athlete’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, told reporters last week that Ndiema, his daughter’s former boyfriend, was stalking and threatening her and that the family had informed the police.
He said he wanted justice and lamented that the suspect was not guarded at his hospital bed and expressed concern that he could escape.
Cheptegei is expected to be buried at his home in Uganda on Saturday.