Paris Olympics Athlete Dies From Severe Burns
Rebecca Cheptegei, Uganda’s representative in the Paris Olympics’ women’s marathon, died on Thursday, September 5. The 33-year-old succumbed to her death after suffering fatal burns on 75% of her body.
Dr. Owen Menach from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret City confirmed the news and reported that she passed due to “full organ failure.” According to Menach, Cheptegei died at approximately 5 AM last Thursday.
The Uganda Athletic Federation released the following statement on X, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence.”
“As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace,” it added.
Cheptegei’s boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, reportedly burned the athlete by dousing her with gasoline and setting her on fire. The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, September 1, on land that Cheptegei had recently purchased so she could be closer to the training facilities in Western Kenya.
A local police official, Jeremiah ole Kosiom, offered further details. “The couple were heard quarreling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her,” Kosiom shared.
Based on an article by Yahoo! News, the horrifying event happened in front of Cheptegei’s two young daughters, aged nine and 11. One of her children attempted to help her but was allegedly assaulted by Ndiema.
“He kicked me while I tried to run to the rescue of my mother. I immediately cried out for help, attracting a neighbor who tried to extinguish the flames with water, but it was not possible.”
Another report showed that Cheptegei and Ndiema had been fighting over the land that Cheptegei bought. Authorities are conducting further investigation.
After the runner was admitted to the hospital, she was kept under deep sedation due to the serious nature of her burns.
Ndiema also sustained burns to over 30% of his body and has been hospitalized.
Rebecca Cheptegei and the Paris Olympics
Cheptegei competed in the recently concluded Paris Olympics. In the women’s marathon event, she finished 44th while achieving the season’s best time at 2:23:14.
Since October 2021, she is the third prominent female athlete to be killed in Kenya.
Kipchumba Murkomen, Kenya’s sports minister, challenged society to prevent similar acts from taking place in the future. “This tragedy is a stark reminder that we must do more to combat gender-based violence in our society, which in recent years has reared its ugly head in elite sporting circles,” he said.
