The Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) has confirmed the demise of Rebecca Cheptegei after a fight with her former boyfriend.
Cheptegei, according to the federation, died on Thursday morning at the Moi Referral Hospital. She had burns to more than 75% of her body after being doused in petrol and set on fire, police said on September 3, 2024.
Team Kenya also mourned the Ugandan star and said the loss is a profound loss.
“On behalf of Team Kenya, we extend our deepest condolences to the Ugandan sports community, family, and friends of Rebecca Cheptegei. Rebecca’s talent and perseverance as Uganda’s Women’s Marathon record holder and a Paris 2024 Olympian will always be remembered and celebrated.
“Her untimely and tragic passing is a profound loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time as we honour her legacy and advocate for an end to GBV. May her soul rest in peace,” Team Kenya said in a statement on X.
Area police boss Jeremiah Ole Kosiom, who confirmed the incident, then said the couple quarelled before the unfortunate incident occurred.
The Ugandan athlete had shifted her training base to Kenya, and in the Olympic Games in Paris, she finished 44th in the marathon.
Cheptegei won gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2022.
