Featured Image Credit: Jiang Qiming/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images / Uganda Athletics Federation
Topics: Olympics, Sport, World News, Crime, Africa
Poppy Bilderbeck
Topics: Olympics, Sport, World News, Crime, Africa
Ugandan long-distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei has passed away at the age of 33, days after being 'set on fire' by an ex-boyfriend.
On Sunday (September 1), Cheptegei - who finished 44th in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics - was attacked at her house in the western Trans Nzoia County after returning home from church.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom alleged Cheptegei's former boyfriend poured a can of petrol on her and set her alight.
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The Ugandan Athletics Federation reported the attack on social media, stating: "We regret to announce that our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed at the Olympics has suffered severe injuries and is hospitalised at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
"This follows an incident involving her Kenyan boyfriend pouring petrol and setting fire on her."
Kosiam added to the Standard newspaper in Kenya: "The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her.
"The suspect was also caught by the fire and sustained serious burns."
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The athlete was rushed to hospital and began receiving treatment for burns which covered 75 percent of her body.
However, sadly, the head of the hospital, Dr Owen Menach, has since confirmed to local media the athlete has passed away, with the Ugandan Athletics Federation taking to Twitter to confirm the news.
It stated: "BREAKING NEWS. We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence.
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"As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace."
And it's not taken long for others to offer their condolences.
One user said: "May her soul RIP, Condolence to the Family ,Atheletics Community and Ugandans."
"Dear Ugandans, and to her family, we are sorry. This is heartbreaking," another added.
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A third commented: "May her soul rest in peace as the person who Brought her to this face the courts of law ....."
Cheptegei's family also spoke out earlier this week, with her father Joseph saying he prayed 'for justice for [his] daughter'.
An investigation into Cheptegei's passing is underway, police say.