Tragedy in Kenya: Ugandan Olympic champion dies from burns inflicted by her boyfriend
5 september 2024 в 22:13
Ugandan Olympic champion Rebecca Cheptegei passed away after her boyfriend allegedly attempted to set her on fire. The late 33-year-old athlete suffered burns on 75 percent of her body after her boyfriend, Dixon Ndiema, reportedly doused her with gasoline and set her on fire in Kenya, according to multiple sources. The news of her death became known on Thursday, September 5.
Dr. Owen Menah confirmed that Cheptegei faced «complete organ failure» and passed away around 5 a.m. on that day. Additionally, the Uganda Athletics Federation released a statement honoring the memory of the athlete.
«We deeply mourn the loss of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, early in the morning, who tragically became a victim of domestic violence», - the organization wrote on Twitter. «As a federation, we condemn such actions and demand justice. May her soul rest in peace».
The official Team Kenya account also released a statement following Cheptegei’s death.
«On behalf of #TeamKenya, we express our deepest condolences to the Ugandan sports community, family, and friends of Rebecca Cheptegei», - the statement read. «Rebecca's talent and perseverance as Uganda’s record holder in the women’s marathon and Olympian for Paris 2024 will always be remembered and celebrated. Her premature and tragic passing is a deep loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time as we honor her legacy and advocate for an end to violence against women».
On Monday, September 2, Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom told journalists that Cheptegei was attacked by her boyfriend after an argument.
«The couple were heard arguing outside their home», - the commander said, according to BBC. «During the conflict, the boyfriend was seen pouring liquid on the woman and then setting her on fire».
According to multiple sources, Ndiema also suffered serious burns after the incident. They reportedly argued over the land on which her house was built.
Earlier this summer, Cheptegei finished 44th overall in the marathon at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Previously, she won a gold medal at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand in 2022.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 for confidential support
Dr. Owen Menah confirmed that Cheptegei faced «complete organ failure» and passed away around 5 a.m. on that day. Additionally, the Uganda Athletics Federation released a statement honoring the memory of the athlete.
«We deeply mourn the loss of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, early in the morning, who tragically became a victim of domestic violence», - the organization wrote on Twitter. «As a federation, we condemn such actions and demand justice. May her soul rest in peace».
The official Team Kenya account also released a statement following Cheptegei’s death.
«On behalf of #TeamKenya, we express our deepest condolences to the Ugandan sports community, family, and friends of Rebecca Cheptegei», - the statement read. «Rebecca's talent and perseverance as Uganda’s record holder in the women’s marathon and Olympian for Paris 2024 will always be remembered and celebrated. Her premature and tragic passing is a deep loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time as we honor her legacy and advocate for an end to violence against women».
On Monday, September 2, Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom told journalists that Cheptegei was attacked by her boyfriend after an argument.
«The couple were heard arguing outside their home», - the commander said, according to BBC. «During the conflict, the boyfriend was seen pouring liquid on the woman and then setting her on fire».
According to multiple sources, Ndiema also suffered serious burns after the incident. They reportedly argued over the land on which her house was built.
Earlier this summer, Cheptegei finished 44th overall in the marathon at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Previously, she won a gold medal at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand in 2022.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 for confidential support
© Smirnova Olga
