Tragic Loss of Ugandan Olympic Athlete Rebecca Cheptegei in Domestic Violence Incident

Ugandan long-distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who participated in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, has sadly passed away at the age of 33 after succumbing to severe burns she sustained in an attack by her partner. The heartbreaking incident occurred in Eldoret, Kenya, where she was being treated at a local hospital.

According to hospital officials, Cheptegei’s organs failed early in the morning on Thursday, resulting in her untimely death. Her partner, Dickson Ndiema, had poured gasoline on her during a disagreement on Sunday and set her ablaze. Ndiema, who also sustained burns, was treated at the same hospital and was reported to be improving and stable.

The attack has sent shockwaves through the athletic community, with Cheptegei’s parents expressing their deepest sorrow and hope for justice. "We have lost a very supportive daughter, and we hope that something will come out of this," her father, Joseph Cheptegei, said in a statement.

The Uganda Athletics Federation condoled the loss, writing on social media, "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." The Uganda Olympic Committee also condemned the attack, terming it a "cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete."

This tragic event is a stark reminder of the ongoing issue of domestic violence and its devastating impact on innocent lives. As the international community mourns the loss of Rebecca Cheptegei, we must come together to combat this insidious problem and ensure that justice is served.

Rebecca Cheptegei’s death marks the third tragic loss in the athletics community in recent years, following the untimely deaths of Benjamin Kiplagat and Agnes Tirop in 2023 and 2021, respectively.