- Rebecca Cheptegei, a celebrated gold medalist at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, has tragically passed away following a brutal domestic violence incident involving her former boyfriend
- The Uganda Athletics Federation has condemned the act and called for justice, highlighting the need for awareness around domestic violence
- Cheptegei’s untimely death has left a profound impact on the athletics community, with many mourning the loss of a talented athlete and advocating for change
Gold medalist at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, Rebecca Cheptegei, has tragically passed away four days after being doused with petrol and set ablaze by her boyfriend.
The Uganda Athletics Federation shared this sad news on X this morning, Thursday, September 5, 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,” the federation stated in a post on X.
Dr. Owen Menach, head of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, where she had been admitted, reported that the athlete died after all her organs failed.
Cheptegei suffered 80% burns to three-quarters of her body, according to the acting head of the hospital.
The alleged culprit, identified as Cheptegei’s former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, was also admitted to the hospital with less severe burns. His condition is reportedly “improving and stable,” Dr. Menach said.
Police reported that the couple was heard arguing outside their home. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on her before igniting it, local police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosiom stated.
Cheptegei, originally from Uganda, had purchased land in Trans Nzoia County to be near Kenya’s many athletic training centers.
Donald Rukare, head of Uganda’s Olympic Committee, described this as a cowardly and senseless act that ended the legacy of a great athlete.
Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, talking to reporters earlier in the week demanded “for justice for my daughter,” adding that he had never witnessed such an inhumane act.
Cheptegei finished 44th in the marathon at the recent Paris Olympics and won gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2022.
Copyright©2024 kick442.com-Cameroon
All rights reserved. This material and any other digital content on this platform may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, written, or distributed in full or in part, without written permission from our management.
This site is not responsible for the content displayed by external sites
French 
English