2024 Paris Olympic Marathon Participation
Dies After ICU Treatment
Family Says "Disputed Land Issue with Ex-Boyfriend"
A Ugandan athlete who competed in the women's marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics died after being set on fire by her ex-boyfriend.
According to CNN and other foreign media, Uganda national representative Rebecca Cheptegei (33) passed away on the 5th (local time) after receiving treatment for burns for four days. Moi Hospital in Eldoret City, western Kenya, where she was hospitalized, stated, "She died from multiple organ failure caused by burns."
In response, the Uganda Athletics Federation posted on X (formerly Twitter), "This morning, Cheptegei became a victim of tragic dating violence," and "We offer our condolences to the deceased." Donald Lukare, chairman of the Uganda Olympic Committee, also mourned, saying, "I heard the sad news that Cheptegei died after a vicious attack by her boyfriend," and "We lost a great athlete due to a cowardly act."
According to local police, Cheptegei was attacked by her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Undiema, at her home in Kenya on the 1st. It was confirmed that Undiema poured a flammable substance on Cheptegei's body and set her on fire. Cheptegei suffered severe burns on 80% of her body and was treated in the intensive care unit but ultimately died. The perpetrator, Undiema, also sustained burns on 30% of his body and was hospitalized in the same hospital, currently receiving burn treatment. Police stated, "It appears Undiema committed the crime when no one else was home," and plan to continue the investigation once he recovers.
Previously, Cheptegei had purchased land in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, where her training center is located, built a house, and lived there with Undiema. Neighbors testified that they heard arguments from their house on the day of the incident. The bereaved family stated, "The two recently had conflicts over land issues," and lamented, "We want to know why he tried to take what belonged to my daughter."
Meanwhile, born in 1991, Cheptegei was a Ugandan women's marathon national representative. She placed 14th at the 2023 World Championships held in Budapest, Hungary, and ranked 44th at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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