Summary:
Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, dies after being set on fire by ex-boyfriend.
The attack occurred in front of her two young daughters, aged 9 and 11.
Septicemia worsened her condition leading to her death.
Incident arose from ongoing domestic disputes between the couple.
Cheptegei had recently competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing 44th.
Ugandan Olympian Passes Away After Horrific Attack
Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old marathon runner, tragically died four days after being set on fire by her ex-boyfriend, as confirmed by the President of the Uganda Olympic Committee this Thursday.
On Sunday, while returning from church, Cheptegei was doused with gasoline and ignited by her ex-boyfriend Dickson Ndiema Marangach in front of her two young daughters, aged 9 and 11, according to reports from Ugandan media. The attacker also sustained injuries during the incident.
Rebecca was admitted to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, in critical condition, suffering from over 75% of her body burned. A hospital staff member, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that her condition worsened due to septicemia.
Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries. A police report indicated that Marangach invaded Cheptegei's home around 2 PM on Sunday while she was at church with her children. The incident stemmed from ongoing domestic disputes between the couple, described by the police as a pair with frequent family conflicts.
Cheptegei had built her home in Endebess, where she lived with her sister and children, and had recently competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing in 44th place. Meanwhile, Marangach faces trial for murder, denying the charges, while local authorities continue their investigation.
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