Olympic distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei has died after receiving burns on over 75 percent of her body, with the flames believed to have been ignited by her boyfriend. She was 33.
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The Uganda Athletics Federation confirmed the news, via TMZ.
"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence," the organization wrote.
Per TMZ:
The news of our daughter, Rebecca Cheptegei's tragic death due to domestic violence is deeply disturbing. pic.twitter.com/khOVFDOjpV
— Janet K Museveni (@JanetMuseveni) September 5, 2024
Peter Ogwang, Uganda Minister of State for Education and Sports, expressed his sympathies on X.
"I have just received disturbing news about the tragic death of Uganda's athlete Rebecca Cheptegei this morning in Kenya,' he wrote. "The Kenyan authorities are investigating the circumstances under which she died and a more detailed report & program will be provided in due course. The long-distance runner represented us in the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympics. I send my deepest condolences to the family, relatives, sports fraternity and Ugandans at large."
TMZ detailed Cheptegei's many athletic achievements.
