Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei dies of burns

Sept. 5 (UPI) — Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei died on Sunday from burns after she was allegedly set on fire by her ex-boyfriend.

Cheptegei was left with 80% burns to her entire body surface in the attack. Her family on Thursday called for justice and legal action against her alleged attacker.

Her family called for justice on Thursday and

“I am very sad because I lost my daughter. I seek your help so that this person who killed my daughter can be prosecuted,” Cheptegei’s father Joseph Cheptegei told reporters.

Police are investigating her death.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning. She was tragically a victim of domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace,” the Uganda Athletics Federation said in an X-statement on Thursday.

Cheptegei was attacked at home on Sunday as she returned from church with her two children.

“The couple were heard arguing outside their home in the small town of Endebess. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before setting her on fire,” local police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosiom told reporters.

Cheptegei was a marathon runner and competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Violent attacks on women are a major problem in Kenya, with at least 34% of women reporting that they have experienced physical violence.

“This tragedy is a painful reminder of the urgent need to combat gender-based violence, which is increasingly affecting even elite sports,” said Kenyan Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen.

“We have learned of the sad passing of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei OLY after a violent attack by her boyfriend,” said Donald Rukare of the Uganda Olympic Committee on X. “May her gentle soul rest in peace and we strongly condemn violence against women. This was a cowardly and senseless act that resulted in the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will live on.”