In a shocking incident, Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei has passed away after being set on fire by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema. The tragic event took place in Kenya, where Rebecca had been living. According to reports, Dickson entered her home on Sunday, poured petrol on her, and set her on fire. She was rushed to the hospital but sadly could not survive the burns that covered 80% of her body.
Rebecca, 33, had just recently competed in the marathon event at the Paris Olympics, where she finished in 44th place. Her sudden death has left the sports world in deep mourning.
The Uganda Olympic Committee President, Donald Rukare, expressed his sorrow, calling it a “senseless act” that ended the life of a talented and dedicated athlete. He said Rebecca’s legacy as a hardworking Olympian would never be forgotten.
Doctors from the hospital treating Rebecca shared that all her organs had stopped working, and she passed away early Thursday morning. She had developed a severe sepsis infection due to her injuries, and despite the hospital’s best efforts, they were unable to save her.
This tragic case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence, not only in Uganda and Kenya but globally. The Uganda Athletics Federation condemned the violence and called for justice for Rebecca.
Rebecca’s untimely death serves as a painful reminder of the dangers faced by victims of domestic violence. Her athletic achievements and bright future have been cut short by this horrific act.
This devastating news has sparked outrage and sadness across the sporting world, with many calling for stronger measures to combat gender-based violence and to protect women like Rebecca from such acts of cruelty.
