Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has died after being set on fire by her boyfriend last weekend.
The 33-year-old, who finished 44th in the women’s marathon race at the Olympics in Paris earlier this summer, had been in an intensive care unit since Sunday after suffering burns to more than 80 per cent of her body.
Cheptegei was attacked at her home in Endebess, Kenya, by her partner Dickson Ndiema Marangach.
A police report claims that during an argument, Marangach doused Cheptegei in petrol before setting her on fire.
‘The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house,’ said local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom.
‘During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her.’
Neighbours helped extinguish the flames, while Marangach was also taken to intensive care for his injuries.
Kenyan hospital director, Dr Owen Menach, has now confirmed Cheptegei died on Wednesday evening after her organs had failed.
‘Unfortunately, we lost her after all her organs failed last night,’ Dr Menach said on Thursday morning.
Donald Rukare, chairman of the Uganda Olympic Committee, said: ‘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.’
A statement from the Ugandan Athletics Federation on social media read: ‘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.’
.
.