Rebecca Cheptegei, an Olympic runner from Uganda, has tragically passed away due to severe burn injuries. The 33-year-old athlete was the victim of a horrific domestic violence attack by her ex-boyfriend, who doused her with gasoline and set her on fire.
A shocking act of violence claims an athlete’s life
The Uganda Athletics Federation announced the devastating news on their X (formerly Twitter) account, stating, “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei this morning, who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and demand justice. May her soul rest in peace.”
Cheptegei, who finished 44th in the Paris Olympics, was attacked on Sunday by her former partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach. According to police reports, Marangach snuck into Cheptegei’s house while she was at church. Upon her return, he doused her with gasoline and set her alight. The assailant himself was also injured by the flames during the attack.
The aftermath and community response
Neighbors rescued both Cheptegei and Marangach, rushing them to a nearby hospital. Cheptegei was later transferred to another medical facility where she was admitted to the intensive care unit on Monday. Media reports indicate that 75 percent of her body surface was burned in the attack.
The athletics community and the public have expressed their shock and sadness at this tragic event. The Uganda Athletics Federation’s statement reflects the widespread condemnation of domestic violence and calls for justice in this case.
This horrific incident has not only ended the life of a talented athlete but also highlighted the ongoing issue of domestic violence, prompting discussions about the need for better protection and support for victims. As the community mourns the loss of Rebecca Cheptegei, there are renewed calls for stricter measures to prevent such devastating acts of violence in the future.
