An Olympic marathon runner, who police say was set on hearth by her boyfriend over a land dispute, died Thursday at a Kenyan hospital the place she was being handled.
Rebecca Cheptegei was 33.
The Moi Instructing and Referral Hospital in Eldoret confirmed her demise. Owen Menach, a spokesperson for the hospital, mentioned she died early within the morning after her organs failed. She was totally sedated as soon as she was admitted to the hospital. She suffered burns on about 80% of her physique.
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Rebecca Cheptegei (UGA) runs throughout the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23 ladies’s marathon. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports activities)
Joseph Cheptegei, Rebecca’s father, was aggrieved whereas speaking to reporters and hoped to get justice.
“As it’s now, the felony who harmed my daughter is a assassin and I’m but to see what the safety officers are doing,” her father mentioned. “He’s nonetheless free and may even flee.”
Dickson Ndiema was accused of setting Cheptegei on hearth. Police mentioned he purchased a can of gasoline, poured it on her and set her ablaze over a disagreement. He was additionally burned within the incident and was being handled on the similar hospital however was “bettering and secure,” in response to officers.
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Rebecca Cheptegei competes within the Discovery 10km highway race in Kapchorwa, Uganda, on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023. (AP Photograph)
Based on a police report, the couple have been overheard combating over land the place the home was constructed earlier than the hearth was began. Cheptegei purchased land in Trans Nzoia to be close to the county’s many athletic coaching facilities, her mother and father mentioned.
“We’re deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, early this morning who tragically fell sufferer to home violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and name for justice. Might her soul relaxation In Peace,” the Uganda Athletics Federation mentioned.
Uganda Olympic Committee President Donald Rukare known as the alleged assault “a cowardly and mindless act that has led to the lack of an amazing athlete.”
Rebecca Cheptegei competed within the marathon on the Paris Olympics.
From left to proper, Lonah Chemtai Salpeter (ISR), Tsehay Gemechu (ETH), Rebecca Cheptegei (UGA) and Keira D’Amato (USA) run throughout the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23 ladies’s marathon in Budapest, Hungary, on Aug. 26, 2023. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports activities)
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In 2022, Cheptegei gained the Padova Marathon and completed in second place within the 10,000-meter race on the Ugandan Championships. She then completed fourth within the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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