Olympic Marathon Runner Rebecca Cheptegei Sadly Dies Days After Being Set On Fire By Boyfriend

[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]

Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has sadly passed away.

Earlier this week, law enforcement officials reported that the Ugandan marathon runner, who just competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics last month, was viciously set on fire by her boyfriend Dickson Ndiema over the weekend in her Kenya home. She was rushed to the hospital at the time, but she reportedly sustained burns on 75 percent of her body. And now, she has unfortunately succumbed to her wounds.

Dr. Owen Menach, the Director of Clinical Services and Surgery at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital where Rebecca received treatment, confirmed to the Daily Nation on Thursday that she died of organ failure:

“It is sad that we lost the patient early this morning after all her organs failed at about 5 a.m. [local time] while we were doing our best to save her life.”

So, so sad.

The 33-year-old’s family member Dr. Tony Sabila also confirmed the news to the outlet:

“It is true that we lost our sister this morning although the doctors tried to save her life and I was there personally.”

In the wake of the disheartening news, the Uganda Athletics Federation paid tribute to the late distance runner on X (Twitter). See (below):

BREAKING NEWS????????
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. pic.twitter.com/ZdxmZ3wDuE

— UGANDA ATHLETICS FEDERATION???????????????? UAF (@UgaAthletics2) September 5, 2024

How awful. Our hearts are with her loved ones. Rest in peace, Rebecca.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Consider calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, or text START to 88788, or go to https://www.thehotline.org/.

[Images via Olympics/YouTube]