Rebecca Cheptegei, who was 33, had just competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics.
ADVERTISEMENTUgandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died at a hospital in Kenya after 80% of her body was burned in an attack by her partner.
A hospital spokesperson said the long-distance runner died early after her organs failed. She had been fully sedated on admission to the hospital in Eldoret city.
Cheptegei competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics less than a month before the attack. She finished in 44th place.
Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, said he hoped to get justice for the “very supportive" daughter he had lost.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema, had bought a can of gasoline, poured it over her and set her ablaze on Sunday.
The Uganda Athletics Federation said they were "deeply saddened" about the passing of Cheptegei, "who tragically fell victim to domestic violence."
Uganda Olympic Committee President Donald Rukare called the attack “a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete.”