Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically passed away after being doused "in gasoline and set on fire" by a former boyfriend, Ugandan officials say.
The 33-year-old marathon runner - who competed for her home country Uganda at the 2024 Paris Olympics - suffered burns to more than 75% of her body following an alleged disagreement with her boyfriend on Monday (September 2), as reported by the BBC.
"The couple were heard quarreling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her,” Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom said, as cited by the publication.
She was rushed to the intensive care unit at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, in the hopes medics could stabilize her.
Sadly, Cheptegei succumbed to her injuries, and her death was confirmed on Thursday (September 5) by the hospital's acting director Dr Owen Menach.
Taking to the platform X, Uganda's athletics federation shared a heartbreaking tribute post, which read: "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," they added.
The horrific incident took place just weeks after Cheptegei had placed 44th in the marathon at the Paris Games.
Kenyan police confirmed that the athlete was attacked at her house in western Trans Nzoia County, where she had recently relocated to be closer to Kenyan training facilities, according to Daily Mail.
The runner's father Joseph Cheptegei spoke to reporters and claimed that the couple were fighting over his daughter's land in the small town of Endebess shortly before the alleged attack occurred.
"They were just friends and I wonder why he wanted to take away things belonging to my daughter," Cheptegei Snr told The Star.
Police said that Cheptegei's partner had bought a can of gasoline, poured it on her, and set her ablaze during the disagreement. Authorities also discovered a five-liter jerry can, a bag, and a burned phone at the scene of the crime, per reports.
Donald Rukare, president of the Uganda Olympics Committee, shared some words on social media, writing: “We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei following a vicious attack by her boyfriend.
“May her gentle soul rest in peace and we strongly condemn violence against women. This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure," he added.
The late athlete's former boyfriend was also admitted to the hospital but with less severe burns. He is still in intensive care but his condition is "improving and stable," Dr. Menach said, the BBC reported.
Our thoughts are with Cheptegei's family and friends at this devastating time.
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