Olympic athlete dies days after being set alight by ex-boyfriend

Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died days after being doused in petrol and set on fireplace by a former boyfriend, Ugandan officers say.

The 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner, who competed in Paris, had suffered in depth burns after Sunday’s assault, the physician treating her had stated.

The authorities in north-west Kenya, the place Cheptegei lived and skilled, stated she was focused after returning house from church.

A report filed by a neighborhood administrator alleged the athlete and her ex-partner had been wrangling over a chunk of land. Police say an investigation is below approach.

There are issues concerning the rising instances of violence in opposition to feminine athletes in Kenya, a number of of which have resulted in demise.

“We’re deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell sufferer to home violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and name for justice. Could her soul relaxation In Peace,” Uganda’s athletics federation said in a post on X.

The household is but to verify her demise however Dr Owen Menach, the top of Moi Educating and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, the place she had been admitted, informed native media that the athlete had died in spite of everything her organs failed.

Cheptegei’s former boyfriend was additionally admitted to the hospital – however with much less extreme burns. He’s nonetheless in intensive care however his situation was “bettering and secure”, Dr Menach stated.

“The couple have been heard quarrelling outdoors their home. Through the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the lady earlier than burning her,” native police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom was quoted by native media as saying.

Ms Cheptegei, from a area simply throughout the border in Uganda, is alleged to have purchased a chunk of land in Trans Nzoia county and constructed a home, to be close to Kenya’s many athletic coaching centres.

“This was a cowardly and mindless act that has led to the lack of an excellent athlete. Her legacy will proceed to endure,” the head of Uganda’s Olympic committee Donald Rukare said on X.

Speaking to reporters, earlier within the week her father, Joseph Cheptegei, stated that he prayed “for justice for my daughter”, including that he had by no means seen such an inhumane act in his life.

Cheptegei completed forty fourth within the marathon on the latest Paris Olympics.

She additionally gained gold on the World Mountain and Path Working Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2022.

Her demise comes two years after the killings of fellow East African athletes Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, with their companions recognized as the principle suspects in each instances by the authorities.

Tirop’s husband is at the moment dealing with homicide expenses, which he denies, whereas a hunt for Mutua’s boyfriend continues.