NAIROBI, Kenya — Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died in a Kenyan hospital where she was being treated after 80% of her body was burned in a attack by his partner. She was 33.
A spokesperson at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret town, Owen Menach, confirmed Cheptegei’s death on Thursday. Menach said the long-distance runner died early in the morning after all her organs failed. She had been completely sedated upon admission to the hospital.
Cheptegei competed in the women’s marathon at Paris Olympics less than a month before the attack. She finished in 44th place.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said on Monday that Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema, bought a jerry can of petrol, poured it on her and set her on fire during a dispute on Sunday. Ndiema was also burnt and treated at the same hospital.
Menach said Ndiema was still in intensive care with 30% burns, but was “improving and stable.”
Cheptegei’s parents said their daughter bought land in Trans Nzoia to be close to the county’s many athletic training centres. A report filed by the local chief says the two were heard fighting over the land where her house was built before the attack.
The Uganda Athletics Federation paid tribute to Cheptegei on the social platform X, writing: “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 demand justice. May her soul rest in peace.”
Uganda Olympic Committee president Donald Rukare called the attack “a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete.”