Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei Dead at 33 After Being Set on Fire

Rebecca Cheptegei‘s story has ended in tragedy.  

The Ugandan distance runner—who competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics just weeks ago—died Sept. 5 after being set on fire in a gasoline attack by an alleged boyfriend, local outlets confirmed. She was 33.

“It is sad that we lost the patient early this morning,” said Dr. Owen Menach, the Director of Clinical Services and Surgery at Kenya’s Moi Teaching and Referring Hospital where Rebecca was admitted to the ICU for her burn injuries, per the The Nation, “after all her organs failed at about 5 a.m. while we were doing our best to save her life.”

The Ugandan Athletics Federation expressed its sadness over the loss of the athlete.

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