Ugandan Olympic Athlete Dies from Severe Burns Caused by Partner’s Dispute

Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically passed away at a hospital in Kenya, having sustained severe injuries in an incident of domestic violence. She was just 33 years old.

The announcement of her death was confirmed on Thursday by a spokesperson from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city. Owen Menach reported that Cheptegei succumbed to her injuries early that morning after her organs began to fail. She had been admitted to the hospital in a sedated state.

Cheptegei, who recently competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, finished in 44th place less than a month prior to the attack.

Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed immense grief, stating he had lost a daughter who was “very supportive.” He also expressed a desire for justice in the wake of this heartbreaking situation.

According to Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom, the incident occurred during a dispute between Cheptegei and her partner, Dickson Ndiema. It was reported that Ndiema purchased gasoline, poured it on her, and set her ablaze. Ndiema himself suffered severe burns and is currently receiving treatment at the same hospital, where he has been classified as stable and improving, despite having burns affecting 30% of his body.

Cheptegei’s parents noted that she had recently purchased land in Trans Nzoia to be closer to various athletic training centers. A report from the local chief highlighted that the couple was overheard arguing about the land where her residence was situated before the violent incident took place.

The Uganda Athletics Federation took to social media platform X to pay tribute to Cheptegei, stating, “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.”

Donald Rukare, the President of the Uganda Olympic Committee, referred to the attack as “a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete.”

This tragic incident is not isolated. In recent years, the athletic community has mourned several athletes who have lost their lives to violence. In 2023, Ugandan runner and steeplechaser Benjamin Kiplagat was found dead with stab wounds. The previous year, Damaris Muthee, a Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete, was discovered dead, and a postmortem examination revealed she had been strangled. The case of Agnes Tirop, a long-distance runner who was stabbed to death in 2021, remains ongoing as her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, faces charges of murder.

The heartbreaking loss of Rebecca Cheptegei has sent shockwaves through the sports world, igniting important conversations around domestic violence and the protection of athletes. The Ugandan community and sports organizations are calling for greater awareness and preventive measures to ensure the safety of athletes, especially women, in competitive sports environments.

As tributes pour in from around the globe, Rebecca Cheptegei’s legacy as an accomplished athlete and symbol of resilience will not be forgotten. Her tragic end highlights the urgent need for societal change to address the pervasive issue of domestic violence.