In a tragic turn of events, Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has passed away after succumbing to severe injuries inflicted by her former boyfriend. The 33-year-old athlete was set on fire a few days ago in a horrific attack that shocked the nation.
According to reports from the BBC, Rebecca was doused in petrol and set ablaze by her ex-boyfriend. Neighbors rushed her to a hospital in Kenya, where she was admitted in critical condition. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Rebecca’s injuries were too severe, and she tragically passed away.
Rebecca Cheptegei had proudly represented Uganda in the marathon event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she secured 44th place. Her promising athletic career, marked by dedication and resilience, was cut short by this appalling act of violence.
The attack occurred while Rebecca was training at her residence in Kenya, where police later confirmed both she and the attacker sustained severe burns. Rebecca’s ex-boyfriend was also hospitalized, and authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.
The root of the conflict reportedly stemmed from a land dispute between Rebecca and her former boyfriend. Police are treating the case with utmost seriousness and have launched a deeper probe into the events leading up to the attack.
Rebecca’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed profound grief at the loss of his daughter, describing her as an independent and strong-willed woman. “We have lost our self-reliant daughter,” he lamented, mourning the loss of a life and a career filled with so much potential.
This incident has sparked outrage, not just in Uganda but across the international sports community, as calls for justice and stricter measures against domestic violence grow louder.
