Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old athlete, has passed away due to severe burn that covered 75% of her body.
The Ugandan athlete was set on fire by her boyfriend on September 1, 2024, just weeks after competing in the Paris Olympics.
The boyfriend, identified as Dickson Marangach, doused Rebecca with petrol and set her ablaze. He then proceeded to set himself on fire, which led to him sustaining minor injuries from the burns.
The couple was believed to be having issues over a land dispute, which led to this tragic incident.
In an unfortunate turn of events, Cheptegei succumbed to her injuries, which affected over 75% of her body, and died on September 5, four days after the incident.
Doctors reported that the majority of Cheptegei’s organs were already damaged before she was brought into the hospital.
Cheptegei was born on February 22, 1991, in Bukwo, Uganda.
She represented Uganda at several World Championships since 2010, including the IAAF World Cross Country Championship, World Mountain Championships, and World Athletic Championships.
She also competed in the Women’s Marathon at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
The Kenyan authorities are still investigating the matter further. Cheptegei’s family demands justice over the death of their beloved daughter.
The death of the Ugandan athlete has sent a wave of shock and fear throughout the country, as Cheptegei is one of three prominent athletes who have died from gender-based violence.
The death of Rebecca Cheptegei has amplified calls for action to address the issue of gender-based violence.
By: Blesset D. Kpenkennie
Source: AP News
