Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei passed away while receiving special treatments in Kenya on Thursday, four days after being set on fire by her boyfriend in an attack in her home.
The 33-year-old long distance runner took her last breath at around 5:30 am (0230 GMT) at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Kenya.
According to the MTRH acting CEO, Owen Menach, Cheptegei sustained burns to 80 percent of her body.
“Her injuries were extensive and covered most parts of her body. It led to multiple organ failure,” said Kimani Mbugua, head of the intensive care unit at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
“We tried our best, but we did not succeed. Looking at her age and the over 80 percent burns she suffered, the hope of recovery was slim.”
According to police, a man identified as Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, doused her with petrol before setting her alight on Sunday at her home in Endebess in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya.
Media reports in Kenya said the brutal assault was witnessed by her two young daughters.
This incident has taken place just weeks after Cheptegei had taken part in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she was placed 44th.
However, Marangach is said to have also been injured in the incident, sustaining 30 percent burns.
