In a devastating turn of events, Rebecca Cheptegei, a renowned Ugandan Olympic marathon runner, has passed away from severe injuries inflicted by her boyfriend.
The Ugandan Olympic Committee shared the heartbreaking news on Thursday.
Details of the Incident
Cheptegei, who was 33 years old, suffered catastrophic burns covering 80 percent of her body.
The attack occurred in her Kenyan home on Sunday when her boyfriend allegedly poured petrol on her and set her on fire.
She was taken to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret for treatment, where the acting head confirmed her injuries on Tuesday.
Tragically, her condition worsened, and all her organs failed by Wednesday night, leading to her death.
Recent Olympic Participation
Just a few weeks before this tragic incident, Cheptegei had competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she finished in 44th place.
Eyewitness Account
Reports from Kenyan media reveal that one of Cheptegei’s daughters witnessed the horrific attack.
According to The Standard, she tried to get help while her mother was being assaulted.
Despite her efforts and the intervention of a neighbor who attempted to extinguish the flames, the situation proved fatal.
Perpetrator’s Condition and Context
The boyfriend, identified as Dickson Ndiema Marangach, also suffered burns, with 30 percent of his body affected.
This tragic event echoes similar violent incidents in the region, including the death of Kenyan-born athlete Damaris Mutua in 2022 and the stabbing of record-breaking runner Agnes Tirop in 2021.
Tirop’s estranged husband is currently on trial for her murder.
Broader Issue of Violence
The incident highlights a broader issue of violence against women, as recent statistics from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics indicate that 34 percent of women in Kenya have experienced physical violence since the age of 15.
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