Record-breaking track and field athlete dies after being doused with gasoline and set on fire by boyfriend

Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died at the age of 33. According to the BBC, the runner, who holds the country's national marathon record, was doused with gasoline and set on fire by her boyfriend.

The athlete, who competed at the Olympic Games in Paris this summer, suffered extensive burns and spent several days in intensive care. On September 5, she died of multiple organ failure in Eldoret Hospital.

Authorities in northwestern Kenya, where Cheptegei lived and studied, said she was attacked after returning home from church with her two daughters.

A report filed by local police claims that Rebecca and her boyfriend were arguing over a plot of land

"It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning, who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace," reads the Uganda Athletics Federation's obituary.

The attacker on Cheptegei was also hospitalized in Eldoret with burns (photo 18+). He is still in the intensive care unit, but his condition is "improving and stable," said Owen Menah.

Earlier, local media quoted local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom: "We heard a couple arguing outside their home. During the argument, the guy was seen pouring liquid on the woman and then setting her on fire."

 Cheptegei finished 44th in the marathon at the 2024 Olympic Games. She also won gold at the World Trail Running Championships in Thailand in 2022.

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