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Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically died from injuries sustained after being set alight by her ex-partner.
The 33-year-old athlete had been in intensive care since Sunday (September 1), having suffered burns to over 80 per cent of her body. The horrifying attack took place in Kenya shortly after her return from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
It is alleged that her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, doused Cheptegei in petrol and set her on fire following a disagreement. Local reports suggest neighbours intervened to extinguish the flames, with both Cheptegei and Ndieman rushed to hospital with severe injuries, reports the Mirror.
“Unfortunately, we lost her after all her organs failed last night,” hospital director Dr Owen Menach said in a statement.
It’s believed the dispute was over land upon which Cheptegei’s house is built. The 33-year-old had purchased the plot near the Ugandan border and constructed her home there.
A statement from the Ugandan Athletics Federation shared on social media 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.”
