Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei is dead.
The 33-year-old marathon runner passed on at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret city, Uasin Gishu County.
Cheptegei succumbed to her injuries after her alleged boyfriend doused her body with petrol and set her on fire.
Confirming the incident, MTRH acting Director Dr Owen Menach said that all her organs failed on Wednesday night.
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Addressing the press on Monday, September 2, Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom mentioned that Cheptegei’s boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema set her ablaze during a disagreement Sunday.
Reports indicate that the couple were heard fighting over the land where Cheptegei had built the house before the fire started.
The two sustained serious burn wounds and were rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation has also issued a statement calling for justice.
I join fellow Kenyans, Ugandans, and all who knew and loved Rebecca Cheptegei in mourning her tragic passing. As a remarkable athlete, her spirit and dedication inspired so many.
— Rt.Hon.Dr.Moses Wetang'ula (@HonWetangula) September 5, 2024
While we honor her memory, we also recognize the gravity of the circumstances surrounding her loss,… pic.twitter.com/5PHpHd4NEG
On behalf of #TeamKenya we extend our deepest condolences to the Ugandan sports community, family, and friends of Rebecca Cheptegei.
— TeamKenya (@OlympicsKe) September 5, 2024
Rebecca’s talent, and perseverance as Uganda’s Women’s Marathon record holder and a Paris 2024 Olympian will always be remembered and celebrated.… pic.twitter.com/k3hNYB9WOP
