Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei dies at Moi Referral Hospital
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 05.09.24. | 09:52
Rebecca suffered burns to three-quarters of her body when her partner poured petrol on her and set her ablaze
Ugandan marathoner Rebecca Cheptegei is dead, the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) has announced.
As per the federation, the athlete who competed in last month’s Olympic Games in Paris died on Thursday morning due to injuries sustained after being attacked by his boyfriend on Monday.
BREAKING NEWS💔💔
— UGANDA ATHLETICS FEDERATION🇺🇬🇺🇬 UAF (@UgaAthletics2) September 5, 2024
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. pic.twitter.com/ZdxmZ3wDuE
Rebecca suffered burns to three-quarters of her body when her partner poured petrol on her and set her ablaze, police reported.
The attack took place on Sunday afternoon at Cheptegie’s home in Kenya’s Western Trans Nzoia County. The 33-year-old athlete was then hospitalized at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret City but in critical condition.
Dickson Ndiema Marangach, the alleged boyfriend, was also admitted to the ICU at the same hospital with 30% burn injuries. On Sunday, Marangach reportedly entered Cheptegei’s residence carrying a five-litre jerrycan filled with petrol.
Cheptegei had taken their children to church, and upon her return, Marangach poured the petrol on her and set her on fire.
Neighbors intervened amidst the commotion, rescuing both of them and rushing them to the hospital in critical condition.
Mzee Joseph Cheptegei, the athlete’s father, clarified that the two had been friends for some time and had been arguing over her land in Endebes, Trans Nzoia, where the attack occurred.
“They were just friends, and I wonder why he wanted to take away things belonging to my daughter,” Mzee Cheptegei said.
He mentioned that the pair was involved in a case that the DCI was investigating.
The athlete has two children with a different man who resides in Uganda.
Mzee Cheptegei also said that the two had been apart for a long time, but on Sunday, Marangach secretly entered the residence and carried out the assault.
Cheptegei's tragedy marks the latest horrific occurrence involving athletes within the East African region.
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