Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically died at the age of 33 after sustaining severe burns in a domestic violence attack. Cheptegei passed away early Thursday morning at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, where she was being treated for burns covering 80% of her body.

Owen Menach, a spokesperson for the hospital, confirmed Cheptegei’s death, stating that the long-distance runner’s organs had failed. She had been fully sedated upon her admission following the brutal attack, which took place less than a month after she competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished in 44th place.

Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed his grief to reporters, saying he had lost a daughter who was “very supportive” and now hopes to get justice for her death.

Authorities say the attack occurred on Sunday, following a heated disagreement between Cheptegei and her partner, Dickson Ndiema. Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom confirmed that Ndiema bought a can of gasoline, doused Cheptegei with it, and set her on fire. Ndiema, who also suffered burns, is currently in the hospital’s intensive care unit with burns over 30% of his body. Hospital officials have described his condition as “improving and stable.”

The local community and Cheptegei’s family are devastated by the loss. According to reports, Cheptegei had bought land in the Trans Nzoia region to be near its athletic training centers. The couple was reportedly arguing over this land in the moments before the attack.

The Uganda Athletics Federation paid tribute to Cheptegei on the social platform X (formerly Twitter), writing: “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 tragic incident has sparked outrage across the sports community. Uganda Olympic Committee President Donald Rukare condemned the attack as “a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete.”

Cheptegei’s death is the latest in a series of violent incidents involving East African athletes. In 2023, Ugandan Olympic runner Benjamin Kiplagat was found dead with stab wounds. The year before, Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee was found strangled, and in 2021, long-distance runner Agnes Tirop was stabbed to death by her husband. Tirop’s murder case is ongoing.

Cheptegei’s death has reignited calls for stronger measures to address domestic violence and protect athletes, as the sporting world mourns the loss of yet another talented figure.

Credit: Associated Press