The Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died at a Kenyan hospital, days after sustaining 80 per cent burns to her body following an attack by her former boyfriend.
The 33-year-old long-distance runner, who finished 44th in the women’s marathon last month at the Paris Olympics, sustained extensive burns after Sunday’s attack.
Cheptegei was receiving treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, where she had been admitted to an intensive care unit.
Dr. Owen Menach confirmed to local media that the cause of death was multiple organ failure, after her kidneys had failed at the time of hospitalisation.
We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei OLY following a vicious attack by her boyfriend. 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… pic.twitter.com/V8Mog3oMOX
— Donald Rukare (@drukare) 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,” Uganda’s athletics federation posted on social media.
“As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace.”
