Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei dies after being set on fire by boyfriend

Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has died in hospital in Kenya after being set on fireplace by her boyfriend, as Amy Lewis experiences

Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died in a Kenyan hospital after being doused in petrol and set fireplace by her boyfriend.

Owen Menach, a spokesperson at Moi Instructing and Referral Hospital in Eldoret Metropolis, the place she obtained therapy after sustaining 80% burns on her physique, confirmed she died early Thursday morning in any case her organs failed.

The 33-year-old’s associate Dickson Ndiema, purchased a container of petrol, poured it on her and set her ablaze throughout a disagreement at her home on Sunday, Trans Nzoia County Police stated.

Menach stated Ndiema was nonetheless within the intensive care unit with burns over 30% of his physique however was “bettering and steady”.

Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, informed journalists on the hospital that he had misplaced a daughter who was “very supportive” and hopes to get justice.

Her mother and father stated that their daughter had bought land in Trans Nzoia, a county in Western Kenya, to be near the county’s quite a few athletic coaching centres.

A report filed by the native chief stated that the couple was heard preventing over the land the place the home was constructed earlier than the hearth began.

The Ugandan Athletics Federation paid tribute to her in a submit on X, which stated: “We’re deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell sufferer to home violence.

“As a federation, we condemn such acts and name for justice. Might her soul relaxation in Peace.”

Uganda Olympic Committee President Donald Rukare known as the assault “a cowardly and mindless act that has led to the lack of an amazing athlete”.

Kenya’s Sports activities Minister Kipchumba Murkomen stated the federal government would guarantee justice for Cheptegei.

“This tragedy is a stark reminder that we should do extra to fight gender-based violence in our society, which in recent times has reared its ugly head in elite sporting circles,” he wrote in an announcement.

Cheptegei was a long-distance runner, competing in marathons and 10,000m races.

She completed forty fourth within the marathon on the 2024 Paris Olympics with a time of over two hours.

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