Ugandan long distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed in the Paris Olympics, has died from burn injuries.
Cheptegei, 33, died early Thursday from 3rd-degree burns over 75% of her body after her boyfriend poured gasoline on her and set her on fire.
Dr. Owen Menach, director of Clinical Services and Surgery at a hospital in Kenya, confirmed Cheptegei died around 5 a.m., September 5, from “full organ failure”.
Police say Dickson Ndiema poured gasoline on Cheptegei and set her on fire during a domestic dispute at her home in Western Kenya on Sunday, Sept. 1.
While Cheptegei and her children were at church, Ndiema sneaked into the house with a container of gasoline around 2 p.m. Sunday.
When the family returned from church, Ndiema and Cheptegei began arguing. “The couple was heard quarreling outside their house,” police told journalists. The pair were described as arguing over the land their home was built on, according to People.com.
Ndiema allegedly poured gasoline on Cheptegei and set her ablaze.
“During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her,” police said.
Ndiema also suffered serious burns during the incident. Neighbors put out both flames and rushed Cheptegei and Ndiema to a local hospital.
Ndiema’s condition is unknown. His charges will be upgraded to murder once he is discharged from the hospital.
