Olympic Runner Rebecca Cheptegei Passes Away After Being Set on Fire by Boyfriend

Rebecca Cheptegei has sadly passed away.

The Ugandan runner, who recently competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, died on Thursday morning (September 5), days after she was reportedly set on fire by her boyfriend. Rebecca was 33-years-old.

Keep reading to find out more…This past weekend, Rebecca suffered burns on 75% of her body after her boyfriend doused her in gasoline and set her on fire at her home in Trans Nzoia County in Kenya.

Dr. Owen Menach, who is the Director of Clinical Services and Surgery at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, confirmed Rebecca‘s death to the Daily Nation, announcing that athlete died at around 5 a.m. local time from “full organ failure.”

Rebecca‘s family member Dr. Tony Sabila also confirmed her passing, sharing, “It is true that we lost our sister this morning although the doctors tried to save her life and I was there personally.”

Our thoughts are with Rebecca Cheptegei‘s loved ones during this difficult time. RIP.