Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei Dead After Domestic Violence Attack

ByShawn Lealos
Rebecca Cheptegei | YouTube

Olympic distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei has died. The world-class athlete sustained burns on roughly 75 percent of her body after her boyfriend reportedly attacked her. She was 33.

Here is what you need to know about this tragic and senseless death.

Olympic Runner Rebecca Cheptegei Dies In Horrific Attack

The Uganda Athletics Federation confirmed on Thursday that Rebecca Cheptegei died. They made the announcement on X, with a note about the Olympian’s sad passing.

Rebecca Cheptegei | YouTube
Rebecca Cheptegei | YouTube

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence,” they wrote in the caption. “As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace.”

This comes after Cheptegei competed at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics and finished in 44th place in the women’s marathon.

Fans swept into the comments, demanding justice for the young woman.

  • “She did not tragically fall victim, she was criminally murdered. RIP beautiful Rebecca”
  • “The news about Rebecca Cheptegei is truly awful and painful. May she rest in peace. We need to do more as a global community to tackle gender based violence.”
  • “This is so absolutely tragic! My deepest condolences to the family and friends.”

With the news of her death, the attention turns to the man who allegedly killed her.

How Did Rebecca Cheptegei Die?

The fact that Rebecca Cheptegei died at 33 is sad in and of itself. However, how she died is horrific. She died with severe burns.

According to authorities, Cheptegei got into an argument with her partner, Dickson Ndiema. Local police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosiom took part in a press conference. He said that after the argument began, “the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her” (via TMZ).

Cheptegei died from the severity of the burns. Ndiema also received treatment at the hospital for injuries he sustained during the attack.

The Uganda Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, also gave his condolences on X. “I have just received disturbing news about the tragic death of Uganda’s athlete Rebecca Cheptegei this morning in Kenya,” he wrote. “The Kenyan authorities are investigating the circumstances under which she died and a more detailed report & program will be provided in due course.”

Rebecca Cheptegei was a Ugandan cross-country, long-distance, and marathon runner who was the national record holder in the latter discipline in a non-mixed race. She represented her country at several World Championships, with the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris as her final stop.

Please help send your condolences and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Shawn Lealos
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