Olympic champion Rebecca Cheptegei dies aged 33 after being set on fire

Rebecca ChipTighe’s story ended in tragedy.

Local media confirmed the death of the Ugandan runner who competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics a few weeks ago, on September 5 after her boyfriend set her on fire in a gasoline attack. She was 33 years old.

“It is sad that we lost the patient early this morning,” he said. Dr. Owen ManashDirector of Clinical Services and Surgery at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya where Rebecca was admitted to the intensive care unit for her burn injuries, according to The nation“After all her organs failed at around 5am while we were doing everything we could to save her life.”

The Uganda Athletics Federation has expressed its sadness over the death of the athlete.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our player, Rebecca Cheptegei, early this morning, a tragic victim of domestic violence,” the organisation announced on X, formerly known as Twitter. “As a federation, we condemn such acts and demand justice. May her soul rest in peace.”