Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan marathon runner who competed in last month’s Paris Olympics, has tragically passed away after being burned by her boyfriend, according to confirmation from the country’s athletics federation.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, earlier this morning, following a horrific incident of domestic violence,” the Uganda Athletics Federation shared. “We strongly condemn such acts and demand justice. May her soul rest in peace.”
Cheptegei, 33, who resided in Kenya, had been in critical condition with burns covering 75% of her body after an attack at her home in Trans Nzoia County on Sunday.
Police reported that Dickson Ndiema Marangach, her partner, allegedly doused Cheptegei with petrol and set her on fire during the assault at her Endebess home in western Kenya.
The attack occurred just weeks after Cheptegei participated in the Paris Olympic marathon, where she finished 44th.
