Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically and senselessly lost her life due to an extreme case of domestic violence.
Cheptegei, a marathon runner who competed for Uganda at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was set on fire, allegedly by an ex-boyfriend, and has been fighting for her life ever since.
The 33-year-old was in the hospital for burns on 75 percent of her body following a disagreement with her former boyfriend outside their house on Sunday.
The head of Uganda’s Olympics committee confirmed Rebecca Cheptegei’s death on Thursday in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence,” a further post from the Uganda Athletics Federation said.
“As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace.”
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A report filed by a local administrator alleged that Rebecca Cheptegei and her ex-partner had been wrangling over a piece of land.
Cheptegei had reportedly bought a plot in Trans Nzoia county and built a house near Kenya’s elite athletics training centers.
An investigation is still underway.
Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, said that he had lost a “very supportive” daughter.
Further speaking to reporters, Cheptegei asked the Kenyan government to ensure justice was done after the death of his daughter.
“We have lost our breadwinner,” he added per BBC and wondered how her two children, aged 12 and 13, would “proceed with their education.”
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Rebecca Cheptegei Competed At Paris Olympics Before Tragic Death
Distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei suffered 75 percent burns on her body after her boyfriend allegedly doused her in gasoline and set her on fire at her home in Trans Nzoia County in western Kenya on Sunday.
Cheptegei died from her injuries.
Just last month, Rebecca Cheptegei finished in 44th place in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
She’d previously won gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2022.
