Rebecca Cheptegei has passed away after her alleged ex-partner, Dickson Ndiema, burned 80 percent of her body. Medical staff at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital said two days ago that they were trying everything to stabilize and save her life. Cheptegei was from Uganda, 33 years old, and mother to two young children.
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The Olympic athlete died on Thursday (Sept. 5) from organ failure. According to the Associated Press, a spokesperson for the hospital said Rebecca was fully sedated from the time she was admitted.
It had been less than a month since Rebecca Cheptegei repped for Uganda at the Paris Olympics. She claimed the 44th place in the women’s marathon.
Here’s What Happened To Rebecca Cheptegei
As previously reported, Rebecca’s father told the press earlier this week that his daughter and Dickson Ndiema had been just friends. He also implied that the attack started with a dispute about Dickson wanting her land.
Witnesses confirmed that on Sunday (Sept. 1), Ndiema poured petrol on Cheptegei and then lit her on fire in the early afternoon. Rebecca had reportedly returned from church with her two children when she encountered Dickson. It’s unclear if her kids — unrelated to Dickson — witnessed the attack.
Ndiema also suffered burns to about 30 percent of his body from his assault. Medical professionals at Moi Hospital are also treating him. He is reportedly “improving and stable.”
Father Calls For Justice For Rebecca’s Death
At this time, it’s unclear whether Dickson Ndiema has been formally charged for the attack. However, the Uganda Athletics Federation is pushing for law enforcement agencies to take “swift and decisive action” against him. Its president and secretary-general released a statement responding to Rebecca’s death.
“May her gentle soul rest in peace. Together, let us stand united in saying NO to violence against women,” that statement said.
Rebecca’s dad is also calling for justice in the fatal incident. He spoke to reporters at the hospital on Thursday, per AP.
“As it is now, the criminal who harmed my daughter is a murderer, and I am yet to see what the security officials are doing,” Joseph Cheptegei said. “He is still free and might even flee.”
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