Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei has died after being set on fire by her boyfriend
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.
Cheptegei had been at church with her children before returning home where she was confronted and attacked by Marangach.
‘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.’
One of Cheptegei’s daughters who witnessed the assault told Kenyan newspaper The Standard: ‘He kicked me while I tried to run to the rescue of my mother.
‘I immediately cried out for help, attracting a neighbour who tried to extinguish the flames with water but it was not possible.’
It is claimed that Cheptegei and Marangach had been arguing over the land where the home had been built.
Marangach was also taken to intensive care for his injuries after suffering 30 per cent burns to his body.
Cheptegei had been scheduled to be transferred to a hospital in Nairobi for specialised treatment on Friday but her condition deteriorated.
Kenyan hospital director, Dr Owen Menach, has now confirmed Cheptegei died on Wednesday evening.
‘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.’
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