The 33-year-old Cheptegei had been receiving treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city. A spokesperson, Owen Menach, confirmed her death on Thursday.
Speaking to Kenyan news outlet The Star, Dr Owen Menach, acting director of the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, said "we lost her after all her organs failed" on Wednesday night.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said on Monday Cheptegei's boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, bought a can of petrol, poured it on her and set her on fire during a disagreement.
Ndiema also sustained burn wounds and was admitted to the same hospital, police said.
Cheptegei's parents told The Star their 33-year-old daughter bought land in Trans Nzoia to be near the country's many athletic training centres.
A report filed by the local chief says the couple were heard fighting over the land where the house was built, before the fire started.
Ms Cheptegei recently competed in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th.
According to the Paris Olympics website, she qualified for her Olympic debut in the marathon after setting a personal best of 2.22.47 at the Abu Dhabi Marathon in December 2022.
She also finished 14th in the marathon at the 2023 World Championships.
Meanwhile, across the world, anger and disappointment have trailed the death of the Ugandan athlete.
Here are some of the comments from commenters on the death.
"That's deeply tragic news. The confirmation of Rebecca Cheptegei’s passing, after suffering such horrific burns, is heartbreaking. Losing someone so young and talented in such a violent manner underscores the urgent need to address domestic violence and ensure justice for victims."
"My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and the entire athletic community as they grieve this unimaginable loss. May her soul rest in peace, and may justice be swiftly pursued for this senseless act. "
"80% burn - there was no chance of survival! What is it with our Athletes and relationships? Why don’t they just enjoy peacefully their hard earned dough in peace!"
"Kalenjin men have a habit of seducing rich and successful women, then once they hook them, they become envious and jealous of the woman's wealth and fame. Then because of inferiority complex, they begin to torment them with violence and eventually they destroy them."
" No wonder most successful female Kalenjin athletes, artists and professional are either single or married to men of other tribes. Kalenjin men need to be taught how to live with rich wives/girlfriends. "
"Cattle rustling mentality is a mode of thinking that belongs to the past."
0 Comments