Rebecca Cheptegei died in Moi Teach and Referral Hospital at age 33. She was in critical condition after her former Kenyan boyfriend Dickson Ndiema doused her with gasoline and set her on fire.
The Ugandan marathon runner, who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, was in a dispute with Ndiema over property ownership. He suffered burns to 30 per cent of his body and is being treated in the same hospital. Her organs failed.
BREAKING NEWS💔💔
— UGANDA ATHLETICS FEDERATION🇺🇬🇺🇬 UAF (@UgaAthletics2) September 5, 2024
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. pic.twitter.com/ZdxmZ3wDuE
A spokesperson at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city, Owen Menach, confirmed Cheptegei’s death on Thursday. Menach said the long-distance runner died early in the morning after her organs failed. She had been fully sedated on admission at the hospital.
Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, told journalists at the hospital that he had lost a daughter who was “very supportive” and said he hoped to get justice.
“As it is now, the criminal who harmed my daughter is a murderer and I am yet to see what the security officials are doing,” the father said. “He is still free and might even flee.”
