Ugandan olympian Rebecca Cheptegei dies after brutal attack
Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan runner, has died after being set on fire by her ex-boyfriend. According to BBC reports, it was not possible to save the athlete.
5 September 2024 11:54
Rebecca Cheptegei participated in this year’s Olympic Games in Paris, where she ran the marathon and finished 44th. Upon returning to Africa, she moved to Kenya to continue her training. None of her loved ones could have predicted what would happen in early September.
On 2 September, Cheptegei was hospitalised with severe burns covering 75% of her body. The police determined that she was attacked by her ex-boyfriend, who doused her with petrol and set her on fire. Despite the immediate battle for her life, on Thursday, 5 September, BBC reported that Cheptegei had died.
Land dispute the reason for the tragedy
British journalists, citing a report from the local administration, reported that Cheptegei and her ex-boyfriend were arguing over a piece of land. The athlete's former partner also ended up in hospital, but his injuries were not as severe as those sustained by Cheptegei, and his life is not in danger.
A report filed by the local administrator claimed that the athlete and her ex-partner were arguing over a piece of land. The police stated that an investigation is ongoing - reported the British journalists.
Cheptegei’s sports career
Rebecca Cheptegei had been competing in marathons for over a decade. Among her achievements was a victory in a race in Padua and numerous podium finishes. Her best time in the marathon distance was 2:22:47.
