Shocking Reason: Ugandan Olympic Marathon Runner, Rebecca Cheptegei, Dies at 33 After Ex-Boyfriend Sets Her on Fire
Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically passed away at 33 after suffering severe burns inflicted by her ex-boyfriend, who set her on fire. Cheptegei sustained burns to 80% of her body during the brutal attack on Sunday.
According to medical officials, she was rushed to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, where she was placed in intensive care. Despite medical efforts, Dr. Owen Menach, the hospital’s acting director, confirmed that Cheptegei died on Tuesday night, September 3, due to complete organ failure.
The horrific incident occurred just weeks after Cheptegei competed in the Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th in the marathon. Kenyan police reported that the attack took place at her home in Trans Nzoia County, near the Ugandan border, where Cheptegei had recently relocated for better training opportunities.
Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom revealed that Cheptegei’s ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, had purchased petrol, poured it on her, and set her ablaze during a dispute on Sunday. The runner’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, disclosed that the altercation stemmed from a dispute over land.
The tragic attack was witnessed by one of Cheptegei’s daughters, who recounted her desperate attempts to help her mother. She said a neighbor tried to extinguish the flames, but the fire had already caused too much damage. Ndiema also sustained serious burns and was admitted to the same hospital with 30% burns.
Kenyan authorities are continuing to investigate the case, as Ndiema remains under medical supervision.