Olympic-2024 participant dies after boyfriend sets her on fire
Ugandan runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed in the Paris Olympics this year, died in hospital after her boyfriend doused her with petrol and set her on fire, the Uganda Athletics Federation reported on social media.
"We are deeply saddened by the death of our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who was a victim of domestic violence. We condemn such acts of violence and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace," the statement said.
The 33-year-old athlete was hospitalized on September 3. Her boyfriend, Dixon Ndiema, poured a canister of gasoline on her during an argument at her home and set it on fire. The girl's body was found to have burns over more than 75% of her body. He himself was also hospitalized with burns. It is specified that the reason for the argument was a land dispute. "The couple could be heard arguing near their home. During the argument, the guy poured liquid on the woman and then set her on fire," local publications quote a law enforcement official as saying.
During the Olympics, Rebecca took 44th place in the marathon, and the athlete previously won gold at the World Trail Running Championships in Thailand in 2022.