-Marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei is dead
-She died at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, where she was admitted for treatment
Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei is dead.
Cheptegei, 33, died at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTTRH) in Eldoret on Wednesday evening.
Her boyfriend doused her in petrol after an agreement on Sunday, September 1, leading to her admission to MTRRH ICU.
Doctors say the Cheptegei suffered over 75 percent burns after she was set alight by her alleged estranged boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, at their home in Kitale.
Ndiema is also admitted at MTTRH with 30 percent burns.
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MTTRH’s acting director, Dr Owen Menach, said Rebecca Cheptegei died on Wednesday night following multiple organ failure.
“We lost her after all her organs failed,” Dr Menach told The Star.
News of Cheptegei’s demise spread on social media, with many offering their condolences to the family of the athlete.
“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,” the Ugandan Athletics Federation wrote on X.
Donald Rukare, Uganda’s Olympic Committee Chief, wrote:
“We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei OLY 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.”
Kenyan National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula wrote:
“I join fellow Kenyans, Ugandans, and all who knew and loved Rebecca Cheptegei in mourning her tragic passing.
As a remarkable athlete, her spirit and dedication inspired many. While we honour her memory, we also recognise the gravity of the circumstances surrounding her loss, and we trust the ongoing investigation will bring justice swiftly.
May Rebecca Cheptegei rest in peace, and may her family and friends find comfort during this difficult time.”
Rebecca Cheptegei recently competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics marathon, where she finished 44th.
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