Update: Olympic Runner Rebecca Cheptegei’s Ex-Boyfriend Dies Of ‘Severe Airway Burns’ After Allegedly Killing Athlete By Setting Her On Fire

Update: Olympic Runner Rebecca Cheptegei’s Ex-Boyfriend Dies Of ‘Severe Airway Burns’ After Allegedly Killing Athlete By Setting Her On Fire

Update (Sept. 10, 2024): Rebecca Cheptegei’s former boyfriend has passed away after allegedly killing her by setting her on fire.

Dickson Ndiema died of respiratory failure from severe burns and sepsis while being treated at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. A physician at the hospital, Dr. Philip Kirwa, said Dickson Ndiema died on Monday at 6:30pm.

“Ndiema was admitted on September 2, as referral from Kitale County Referral Hospital where he had sustained burns over 41 percent of his body. During his stay, he received treatment from a multidisciplinary team in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).”

“At the ICU he developed respiratory failure as a result of the severe airway burns and sepsis that led to his eventual death…despite life-saving measures.”

Update (Sept. 5, 2024): A sad update on Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei. She has passed away after suffering severe burns following a gasoline attack by her boyfriend, according to multiple outlets.

She died of “full organ failure” around 5 a.m., Dr. Owen Menach, the Director of Clinical Services and Surgery at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Kenya, confirmed.

One of Rebecca Cheptegei’s relatives, Dr. Tony Sabila, also confirmed her passing and said,

“It is true that we lost our sister this morning although the doctors tried to save her life and I was there personally.”

The Uganda Athletics Federation also announced the loss and wrote on X (formerly Twitter),

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace.”

BREAKING NEWS??
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/ZdxmZ3wDuE

— UGANDA ATHLETICS FEDERATION???? UAF (@UgaAthletics2) September 5, 2024

Original Story (Sept. 3, 2024): Prayers up for Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei.

Police recently confirmed that the professional runner is being treated in the hospital for severe burn wounds after she was attacked by her boyfriend.

Rebecca Cheptegei

Ugandan Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom told reporters that Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, was arguing with her partner Dickson Ndiema on Sunday (September 1st) when the incident occurred. The couple was reportedly in the midst of a dispute about property when the Kenyan man was seen dousing the distance runner with a liquid before she went up in flames.

The Commander also reported that Rebecca Cheptegei sustained burns across 75% of her body, and noted that she’s being treated at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret for her injuries. Dickson Ndiema also remains in the hospital for wounds he sustained during the attack as well. Police are still investigating the incident at this time.

Rebecca Cheptegei

Cheptegei represented Uganda at the Olympic games in Paris earlier this year, placing 44th in the marathon event. She also won a gold medal at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand.

We continue to pray that Cheptegei makes a full recovery!