The Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) has confirmed the death of Rebecca Cheptegei, who had been hospitalised after a fight with her former boyfriend.
Cheptegei, according to the federation, died on Thursday morning at the Moi Referral Hospital. She had suffered burns to more than 75% of her body after being doused in petrol and set on fire, police said on September 3, 2024.
“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,” UAF said in a statement on X on Thursday, September 5, 2024.
Team Kenya also mourned the Ugandan star and said the death is a profound loss.
“On behalf of Team Kenya, we extend our deepest condolences to the Ugandan sports community, family, and friends of Rebecca Cheptegei. Rebecca’s talent and perseverance as Uganda’s Women’s Marathon record holder and a Paris 2024 Olympian will always be remembered and celebrated.
“Her untimely and tragic passing is a profound loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time as we honour her legacy and advocate for an end to gender-based violence. May her soul rest in peace,” Team Kenya said in a statement on X.
Cheptegei, 33, who competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is said to have been rescued by neighbours after the incident that happened on Sunday at her home in the small town of Endebess in Trans-Nzoia County.
Area police boss Jeremiah Ole Kosiom, who confirmed the incident, then said the couple quarelled before the unfortunate incident occurred.
“The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her,” Kosiom said.
The Ugandan athlete had shifted her training base to Kenya, and in the Olympic Games in Paris, she finished 44th in the marathon.
Cheptegei won gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2022.
Her demise comes after Agnes Tirop, a record-breaking long-distance runner, was found stabbed to death in the same region in November 2023. Last December, Benjamin Kiplagat, who was a Ugandan athlete, was stabbed to death by assailants in Eldoret City.
