Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei's ex dies after he 'set her on fire'
Topics: Olympics, Crime, World News
Emily Brown
Featured Image Credit: @UgaAthletics2/X/Facebook
Topics: Olympics, Crime, World News
The man accused of setting fire to Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei has also died after suffering burns in the attack.
A spokesperson for Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, in Eldoret in western Kenya, confirmed that Cheptegei's former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, died at 7:50 p.m local time on Monday (September 9).
"He died from his injuries, the burns he sustained," Lang'at told Reuters.
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Marangach's death comes after Cheptegei passed away on September 5 after suffering burns to 75 percent of her body.
Marangach was accused of pouring petrol on Cheptegei when she returned home from church with her two daughters.
He then allegedly set her alight, suffering burns to his own body in the process.
Jeremiah Ole Kosiom, the Trans Nzoia County Police Commander, claimed Marangach and Cheptegei had been 'heard quarrelling outside their house' before the attack took place.
"During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her," he said.
"The suspect was also caught by the fire and sustained serious burns."
Cheptegei was rushed to hospital, but was sadly confirmed to have died a short time later.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation announced the news of her death on Twitter, 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 call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace."
Just weeks before her death, Cheptegei competed in the Paris Olympics and finished 44th in the marathon event.
The president of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, described Cheptegei as a source of 'inspiration' for viewers of the Olympics.
"We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn about Rebecca Cheptegei's death following the horrible attack against her," he said in a statement.
"Rebecca's participation in the Paris 2024 women's marathon was a source of inspiration, pride and joy."
Viola Cheptoo, the co-founder of Tirop's Angels, a group which offers support for survivors of domestic violence in Kenya's athletic community, said Marangach's death is 'not positive news whatsoever'.
"Justice really would have been for him to sit in jail and think about what he had done," she said.
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.