Boyfriend Who Lit Olympic Marathon Runner Rebecca Cheptegei On Fire Dies Of His Own Burns Days After Her

The man responsible for killing Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has now also died — as a result of the same heinous act.

Earlier this month, Rebecca’s boyfriend Dickson Ndiema viciously lit her on fire after what’s said to have been a dispute over her property in Kenya escalated. He, too, suffered burns in the incident, and the pair were both rushed to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for treatment. Days later, the athlete, who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, tragically succumbed to her burns which reportedly covered more than 75 percent of her body. And now, Dickson has perished, too.

The Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital revealed in a press release that the assailant died on Monday night while being treated in the intensive care unit for his own burns, which covered more than 30 percent of his body:

“He developed respiratory failure as a result of the severe airway burns and sepsis that led to his eventual death on Monday evening at 18:30 hours [local time] despite life-saving measures.”

Dr. Owen Menach, the Director of Clinical Services and Surgery, confirmed to BBC:

“It’s true he has died from the [burn] injuries.”

And now he won’t face justice. Though perhaps this could be seen as karma? If nothing else he is certainly responsible for his own torment. What a disheartening situation all around.

DailyNation reported Rebecca is set to be buried on Saturday in her original home in the Kapkoros, Bukwo District in Uganda.

[Images via Olympics/YouTube & Dickson Ndiema/Facebook]